More aquatic rosters for the 2018 Commonwealth Games are being defined, with the Isle of Man announcing its 5-strong line-up this week. Headlining the small squad is British national champion Charlotte Atkinson, the Loughborough University swimmer who clinched two titles at the British Championships this past April.
Atkinson took gold in the women’s 200m butterfly and 50m butterfly and collected silver at that meet in Sheffield to qualify for a spot on the World Championships squad and become the first British swimming champion originating from the Isle of Man in nearly half a century. In Budapest, Atkinson finished 21st overall in the 200 fly, while earning the 23rd fastest result out of prelims in the 100m distance.
Along with Atkinson, 18-year-old breaststroker Niamh Robinson will also be traveling to Gold Coast Australia this April to compete at her 2nd Commonwealth Games. Just 14 years of age back in 2014, Robinson represented the youngest member of the Isle of Man team for Glasgow, but is following in her mom’s footsteps, as her mother competed for the isle of Man back at the 1990 Games in Auckland.
Stephanie Brew, Guy Davies and Laura Kinley will also be representing Isle of Man at this year’s Commonwealth Games.
Of the line-up, Isle of Man Commonwealth Games President Basil Bielich said, “The selection for the team has highlighted the high level of sporting talent in the Island, with 43 athletes meeting the qualifying criteria, of which only 32 could be selected for the team.
“It’s an exciting opportunity for these athletes to represent the Island and I’m sure everyone at home will be rooting for them.”
What flag is that? Because it certainly isn’t the Manx flag!
It’s the Civil Ensign of the Isle of Man.
Very real chance of an IOM medal in the pool from Atkinson – That would be amazing for them.
Davies and Kinley also competed at the 2014 Games. Davies’ highest placing was 12th in the 200 breaststroke, while Kinley reached the semifinals of both the 50 and 100 breaststroke.