Mona Vale swimmer Alyssa Gillespie has been selected for Australia’s para-swimming team at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, less than four years after beginning competitive swimming and after undergoing 25 operations.
The 18-year-old is one of seven debutants in Australia’s 18-member para-swimming team and will contest the 100m breaststroke SB8 in Glasgow. She is set to compete in a field that includes the current world record holder.
Gillespie is also part of Australia’s 257-member Commonwealth Games squad. The Glasgow Games run from July 23 to August 2.
Mona Vale Swimmer Began With Hydrotherapy
Born with VACTERL association, Gillespie has experienced medical challenges affecting her vertebrae, limbs, heart and internal organs. Swimming first became part of her routine through hydrotherapy following hip surgery.
She later took part in school swimming carnivals and progressed to the national school championships in 2022. A local coach noticed her performance and encouraged her to join Narrabeen Swim Club.
Analiese Melbourn coached Gillespie during her early development in the sport. She now trains under Rafael Rodrigues and has described the water as a place where she can move more freely.
Her Commonwealth Games selection follows a rapid progression since 2022, when she watched athletes compete at the Birmingham Games. In announcing her place in the Glasgow team, she credited her family, coaches, teammates, physiotherapist and friends for supporting her.
National Records Before Glasgow
Gillespie currently holds 13 national records and won the Open MC 50m backstroke at the 2025 Australian Swimming Trials.
At the Australian Age and Open Swimming Championships in April, she placed first in the 16–18 years 100m breaststroke. She also finished second in the 100m backstroke and 50m breaststroke and third in the 50m backstroke in the same age group.
She has since been assigned the Australian team number Paralympic Dolphin 332.
Year 12 Around a 25-Hour Training Week
The Mona Vale swimmer is completing Year 12 at Pymble Ladies’ College while training for up to 25 hours each week. Most mornings place her in the pool by 5am.
Her sessions include racing able-bodied boys in her squad to help push her speed while she prepares for international competition.
Gillespie is raising money to cover costs associated with elite sport, including travel, competition entry, attire and daily preparation. Competition swimwear costs about $1,000 per suit.
Her selection announcement drew congratulatory comments from supporters. One commenter identified as another person living with VACTERL association, while others said they would follow her Commonwealth Games campaign.
Glasgow Campaign and 2028 Ambition
Gillespie’s immediate focus is competing for a medal in Glasgow. Her longer-term goal is selection for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games, where she hopes to win gold for Australia.
After the Commonwealth Games, she will return home to complete her Year 12 examinations while her family remains in Europe for a holiday.
She plans to study nursing before pursuing medicine, with the aim of becoming a doctor and helping children facing medical challenges similar to those she experienced.
Published 2-July-2026
