The next generation of Australian swimming stars is ready to make a splash at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow later this month. Lani Pallister, 24, and Kai Taylor, 22, are the children of Australian swimming legends, both aiming for gold and eager to forge their own identities in the pool.
Taylor, whose mother Hayley Lewis won five gold medals at the 1990 Auckland Commonwealth Games at just 15 years old, expressed the significance of following in her footsteps. "It's just super special that I get to now say that I've also been to a Commonwealth Games like my mum," Taylor said. He will compete in the 100m and 200m freestyle events as well as two relay races.
Pallister Chasing Family Legacy
Pallister is also the child of Australian swimming royalty, with her mother Janelle Pallister winning gold at the same 1990 Auckland Games. "She's a Commonwealth champion and I haven't quite got that title yet," Pallister said. "(But) why not chase the dream and compete in front of your whole country."
Beyond her mother's support, Pallister is the god-daughter of eight-time Olympic medallist Dawn Fraser. "Dawn actually met my mum in '88, when my mum was swimming, so they've been friends far before I was ever born," she said. "Everyone says it's oh it's Dawn Fraser, but to me she's just Dawny."
Pallister's Ambitious Program
Pallister will swim in every event from the 200m to the 1500m, with the women's 1500m making its debut at the Commonwealth Games. A 60-strong Dolphins team is planned for the Games in Scotland, which kick off on July 24. The Glasgow Commonwealth Games will be exclusively broadcast on Seven.
