Sport
17 July, 2026
Trio dive into world champs in Instanbul
THREE Cairns underwater hockey players will represent Australia at the World Championships in Turkey this month after earning selection in the Australian age-group squads.
Ashleigh Simpson and Jake Johnson-Welch have been selected in Australia’s under-19 women’s and men’s teams, respectively, while Josiah Hartley has earned selection in the Australian under-24 men’s team.
The trio, who all play for Cairns Craze Underwater Hockey Club, will compete against some of the world’s strongest underwater hockey nations.
For Ms Simpson and Mr Johnson-Welch, the tournament will be their first overseas competition.
Ms Simpson said she was excited to represent Australia.
“I’m really excited. There’s a really good group of people that I’m going with on my team,” she said.
The Cairns teenager trains three times a week in underwater hockey and completes additional swimming and gym sessions as part of her preparation.
Mr Johnson-Welch said representing Australia was a proud achievement after being selected earlier this year.
“Definitely really cool to represent the country,” he said.
The under-19 men’s representative recently attended a national training camp on the Gold Coast as part of preparations for the championships.
Mr Johnson-Welch also paid tribute to the Cairns Crays Underwater Hockey Club for helping him develop his skills.
“The club’s always been there,” he said.
Mr Hartley said he was excited to test himself against the world’s best players.
“I’m pretty stoked at the moment,” he said. “I’m pretty excited to go there and see what the competition holds, what the world’s athletes are going to be like, see if I can improve and become a better player, and just see how far the team can go.”
Australian under-24 women’s coach Anton Williams said the Australian teams would assemble in Istanbul on 13 July before beginning competition on 18 July. The championships conclude on 25 July.
