Australian Catholic University (ACU) student athlete Tiana Kritzinger is set to make her Commonwealth Games debut at Glasgow 2026, aiming to build on a remarkable season that included recognition from swimming legend Katie Ledecky. Kritzinger is among five current or former ACU student athletes who will represent Australia at the upcoming Games, which are scheduled to commence on July 23.
A Strong Contingent from ACU
The presence of five ACU athletes at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games highlights the university’s commitment to supporting elite student performers. These athletes, all members of ACU’s Elite Athlete and Performer Program (EAPP), have successfully balanced rigorous academic pursuits with demanding training and competition schedules.
Commonwealth Games Newcomers
For swimmers Tiana Kritzinger and Jessica Cole, Glasgow will mark their first appearance at a Commonwealth Games. Kritzinger, a 21-year-old Bachelor of High Performance Sport student, expressed her excitement about the opportunity.
“This is what everyone works for,” Kritzinger stated. “I can’t wait to put on the uniform and experience the atmosphere of a Commonwealth Games.”
Kritzinger’s journey to this point has been noteworthy. In March, she competed in the 1500m freestyle at a Pro Series event in Chicago, finishing second to nine-time Olympic gold medallist Katie Ledecky. The experience of being congratulated by Ledecky was described as an “otherworldly moment” for the young athlete.
Jessica Cole, pursuing a Bachelor of Education, will also make her Commonwealth Games debut. Her inclusion adds to the strong swimming contingent representing Australia.
Returning Commonwealth Athletes
The ACU cohort also includes athletes with prior Commonwealth Games experience. Gymnast Emily Whitehead, studying a Bachelor of Education, will be attending her third Commonwealth Games, demonstrating consistent dedication and high-level performance.
Butterfly swimmer Alexandria Perkins, a Bachelor of Physiotherapy student, is set to compete in her second Commonwealth Games. Perkins earned a gold medal in the mixed 4x100m medley relay at the Birmingham Games four years ago, marking a significant achievement in her career.
Race walker Declan Tingay, an ACU alumnus originally from South Africa, is also heading to his second Commonwealth Games. Tingay secured a silver medal at the Birmingham Games in 2022, adding another impressive result to his athletic record.
The Role of ACU’s Elite Athlete Program
ACU’s Elite Athlete and Performer Program (EAPP) plays a crucial role in enabling student athletes like Kritzinger to achieve their sporting goals while pursuing higher education. The program offers comprehensive support, including:
- Timetabling assistance to accommodate training and competition schedules.
- Mentoring from experienced professionals.
- Flexible academic plans tailored to the demands of elite sport.
ACU Vice-Chancellor and President Zlatko Skrbis acknowledged the remarkable achievements of these student athletes. “ACU recognises the importance of sport and academic achievement in student life and we’re enormously proud to support these dedicated athletes in pursuit of their goals,” Skrbis commented. “What they have already achieved is remarkable.”
Kritzinger, who will compete in the 1500m and 800m freestyle events in Glasgow, highlighted the EAPP’s invaluable contribution, particularly as her international travel commitments have increased. “I’ve been overseas half the semester so the timetable and communication support has been really helpful,” she explained, referring to a demanding competition schedule that took her to the United States, Spain, and Italy earlier this year.
Looking Ahead to Glasgow 2026
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will bring together over 3000 athletes from 74 nations, creating a vibrant and competitive international sporting environment. For Kritzinger and her ACU teammates, the Games represent the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice.
Having been a member of the senior national team since 2024, Kritzinger’s participation in Glasgow signifies a major milestone as her first major international multi-sport event. The opportunity to represent Australia on such a significant stage, alongside fellow ACU athletes, underscores the success of the university’s integrated approach to academic and athletic development.
The collective success of these student athletes serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that it is possible to excel in both demanding academic programs and elite sports, with the right support systems in place. The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games promise to be a significant chapter in the careers of these emerging Australian athletes.
