Ursula Carroll's Surprise Call-Up
Ursula Carroll, a 14-year-old para swimmer from Stockport, will become Team England's youngest athlete at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Despite setting a European record in the S13 200IM at the 2026 Swim England Winter Nationals, Carroll admitted her selection was unexpected.
"It was a bit of a surprise for me because the events that I can swim are 50 free and 100 freestyle which are not my main events and it's definitely not my main stroke either," Carroll said. "But it was also an amazing surprise and to be able to share this experience with everyone on the team has just been amazing."
Relishing the Opportunity
Carroll is eager to learn from her teammates on the big stage. "It's a bigger stage, there's going to be a lot more people and a lot more crowds and stuff. I can't wait to learn from everyone on the team," she said.
Sibling Rivalry
Carroll's older sister, Astrid, 17, who inspired her to start swimming, will compete for Team Scotland. The family will face a split allegiance. "I've been swimming since I was a little baby and I got into it because of my sister," Carroll said. "She's 17 now but she swims for Scotland." Carroll recalled breaking her leg in Abu Dhabi and watching others swim, then deciding to take up the sport after seeing her sister in a gala. "I have not stopped since. It will be interesting to see who cheers Scotland on and who cheers in England in the family."
Age Range of Team England
Carroll is 59 years younger than the oldest Team England athlete, para bowler Ron Homer, 73, who will also make his Commonwealth Games debut. The age difference highlights the diversity of the Games. "Just to think that someone is still in their sport and at their prime in their sport at 73 is crazy," Carroll said. "When I get to 73 I don't think I will be swimming at the Commonwealth Games so it is amazing to see."
National Lottery Support
Team England benefits from approximately £95 million in National Lottery funding allocated to swimming and para swimming since 2000. National Lottery players raise over £33 million each week for good causes, supporting athletes and projects across the UK.
