Tokyo Olympics: Alice Dearing to become first black woman to represent Team GB swimming at a Games

Alice Dearing will become the first black woman to represent Team GB swimming at an Olympic Games… with 24-year-old set to compete in women’s marathon at Tokyo 2020 this summer

Alice Dearing has been confirmed as the first black woman to represent Team GB in a swimming event at the Olympics.

The 24-year-old will compete in the women’s marathon swimming at Tokyo 2020, with Hector Pardoe contesting the men’s event.

Dearing and Pardoe, 20, both earned their spot at the Olympic qualifier in Portugal last weekend before their Team GB selection was rubberstamped today.

She earned her spot at the Olympic qualifier in Portugal last weekend

Alice Dearing has been confirmed as the first black woman to represent Team GB swimming

The 24-year-old will compete in the women's marathon swimming at Tokyo 2020

The 24-year-old will compete in the women’s marathon swimming at Tokyo 2020

Team GB chef de mission Mark England said: ‘I’d like to congratulate Alice and Hector on their selection and am pleased to see a really strong swimming squad finalised for the Tokyo Games. 

‘Both athletes put in confident performances at their qualifier in Portugal recently, especially Hector’s first place finish. Both athletes should feel very proud of making it to their debut Games and their performances this season will put them in good stead for competition in Tokyo.

‘Today marks a significant moment in British Olympic history as Alice becomes the first black female swimmer to compete for Team GB, something she should feel proud of and is an important moment in the 125-year history of British Olympians going to the Games.’ 

Dearing and Hector Pardoe (above) earned their spot at the Olympic qualifier in Portugal last weekend

Dearing and Hector Pardoe (above) earned their spot at the Olympic qualifier in Portugal last weekend

Dearing added: ‘I’m so excited and honoured to be on the Tokyo 2020 Team GB squad. Achieving this is beyond my dreams and I’m so thrilled to be representing GB on the highest stage of my sport.’

She later posted on Twitter, adding: ‘My achievement is the result of 16 years of work and the support from countless people around me. 

‘I am so grateful to have been given this opportunity and thoroughly look forward to representing GB.’

Team GB chef de mission Mark England called Dearing's selection a 'significant moment in British Olympic history'

Team GB chef de mission Mark England called Dearing’s selection a ‘significant moment in British Olympic history’

Dearing will link up with the rest of the Team GB swimming team ahead of the summer Games

Dearing will link up with the rest of the Team GB swimming team ahead of the summer Games 

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