{"id":819005,"date":"2026-07-23T16:08:55","date_gmt":"2026-07-23T16:08:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/819005\/"},"modified":"2026-07-23T16:08:55","modified_gmt":"2026-07-23T16:08:55","slug":"commonwealth-games-2026-australias-youngest-and-oldest-competitors-gunning-for-games-gold","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/819005\/","title":{"rendered":"Commonwealth Games 2026: Australia\u2019s youngest and oldest competitors gunning for Games gold"},"content":{"rendered":"

Only athletes at their peak are selected for the Commonwealth Games and for Team Australia, that includes the young and the young at heart.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s a 61-year age gap between our youngest and oldest competitors and both are gunning for gold.<\/p>\n

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Australia\u2019s youngest and oldest competitors gunning for Games gold<\/p>\n

Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Arrow<\/a><\/p>\n

One of Australia\u2019s more extraordinary stories is Mia Hogan, swapping the schoolbooks to compete on the world stage at just 14 years old<\/p>\n

\u201cI started competitive when I was 10 years old because of a school carnival and I kind of liked it so I started and then kind of just kept training here,\u201d she told 7NEWS.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy school is really good, I don\u2019t have to do any work while I\u2019m over here.\u201d<\/p>\n

The prodigy is vision impaired and will compete in the S13, 50 and 100 metre freestyle. She\u2019s already been earmarked for Brisbane 2032 and has Olympic gold medalist Lani Pallister in her corner.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have matching teddies on our bags now which is really cute,\u201d Pallister said. <\/p>\n

\"MiaMia Hogan will be swimming for Australia. Credit: 7NEWS\"SheShe is the youngest competitor for the team. Credit: 7NEWS<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I\u2019ll definitely be watching her races and Lani kind of just helps in every way,\u201d Hogan said.<\/p>\n

The world will marvel when 14-year-old Hogan competes at the Toll Cross Swimming Centre but just as impressive are the efforts of another Aussie debutant across town who is 61 years her senior.<\/p>\n

At 75, Jacky Hudson gets her chance at international level.<\/p>\n

\"JackyJacky Hudson is Australia\u2019s oldest athlete. Credit: 7NEWS\"SheShe believes age is her superpower. Credit: 7NEWS<\/p>\n

\u201cHow old was Nelson Mandela when he became president? Do you know how old he was? 75,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

She believes that age and experience will be her superpower<\/p>\n

\u201cThe grandkids and the great-grandkids who don\u2019t know that I\u2019m here anyway but they\u2019re all very proud of me which is nice,\u201d Hudson said.<\/p>\n

Pole vaulter Nina Kennedy and swimmer Tim Hodge will lead the Australians into the opening ceremony on Friday morning (AEST) as the nation\u2019s flag and baton bearers.<\/p>\n

Head here to watch the Commonwealth Games exclusively live, free and on demand on 7plus Sport<\/a><\/p>\n

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How much billionaire Aussie will give swimmers for Games gold<\/p>\n

2 min read<\/p>\n

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