Elizabeth Dekkers Steps Into Spotlight: Poised to Take Over 200 Fly from Abbey Connor for Australia in Singapore Showdown…Read More…
In a surprising yet promising development ahead of the highly anticipated 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, Elizabeth Dekkers has seemingly taken over the 200m butterfly spot from Abbey Connor on the Australian national team. This subtle but significant lineup change has ignited conversations across the swimming community, with many viewing it as a strategic shift and a sign of Australia’s depth in women’s butterfly.
Dekkers, the 20-year-old Brisbane native, has quietly climbed the ranks since her breakout swim at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, where she stunned the field with a gold medal performance in the 200m fly. While Abbey Connor has been the more seasoned competitor internationally, Dekkers has been on an upward trajectory, refining her stroke technique, increasing her endurance, and consistently posting impressive times in domestic and international meets.
The Silent Switch
While Swimming Australia has yet to formally confirm the switch, multiple indicators from recent training sessions, start lists, and internal communications strongly suggest Dekkers will represent Australia in the 200m butterfly in Singapore. Abbey Connor, a Tokyo 2020 Olympic finalist and a long-standing mainstay in the butterfly events, has been noticeably absent from butterfly heats in the team’s latest preparations, instead focusing on freestyle and medley work.
This development has fueled speculation that the coaching staff is grooming Dekkers for a bigger role in the butterfly discipline, potentially with an eye toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
According to sources close to the team, the decision wasn’t taken lightly. “Abbey has been an incredible performer and continues to be one of our most versatile swimmers,” said a team insider who requested anonymity. “But Elizabeth has shown exceptional consistency and growth, particularly in the second 100 meters of her race. She’s peaking at the right time.”
Dekkers’ Meteoric Rise
Elizabeth Dekkers’ rise has been a quiet storm. While not the most outspoken or flashy swimmer, her performances speak volumes. At the 2024 Australian Trials in Brisbane, she clocked a personal best of 2:05.31 in the 200m butterfly—one of the top times globally for the season. That swim sent shockwaves through the swimming community, as it outpaced several international rivals and put her in medal contention for Singapore.
What sets Dekkers apart is her back-half strategy—her ability to maintain pace and even accelerate in the final 50 meters. It’s a trait reminiscent of greats like Jessicah Schipper and even China’s Zhang Yufei. With the butterfly event often won or lost in the final stretch, Dekkers’ discipline and strength in closing are being seen as key assets.
“I’ve just been focusing on building confidence and sharpening my technique,” Dekkers told reporters last month. “There’s so much talent in the squad, including Abbey, so every race is a challenge. I’m just here to give my best and see where it takes me.”
The Connor Factor
Abbey Connor’s possible omission from the 200 fly has left some fans concerned, but insiders suggest this is not a demotion but rather a strategic recalibration. Connor has recently been posting elite times in the 400 IM and 200 freestyle—events where Australia also has high medal hopes.
“She’s not being sidelined. She’s shifting focus,” said veteran swim analyst Nick Greaney. “Abbey’s versatility is a weapon. You might see her take on more responsibility in relays or medley events.”
Connor herself has remained tight-lipped but supportive. In a recent Instagram post, she shared a photo of Dekkers with the caption: “Young gun flying strong. Watch this space 🇦🇺💪”, which many interpreted as a symbolic passing of the torch or at least a public vote of confidence.
Australia’s Butterfly Depth
This internal reshuffling highlights the incredible depth in Australian women’s butterfly. Apart from Dekkers and Connor, emerging talents like Brianna Throssell and Jemma Schlicht are making waves. It’s a welcome problem for head coach Rohan Taylor, who now must juggle performance metrics, athlete health, and future planning.
“This is a golden era for Australian butterfly,” Taylor said in a press conference earlier this year. “Our job is to ensure the best swimmer for the moment gets the lane. That’s how we stay competitive on the world stage.”
Eyes on Singapore and Beyond
As the countdown to the 2025 World Championships narrows, all eyes are now on Dekkers. Can she handle the pressure of stepping into a marquee role? Will she deliver on the potential that many believe could make her the next Aussie butterfly legend?
Preliminary heats are set for July 22nd, and if Dekkers is indeed on the start list, it will mark a pivotal moment in her career. Should she reach the podium—or even win—it would validate not just her selection but Australia’s commitment to nurturing its next generation of swimming stars.
For now, one thing is clear: Elizabeth Dekkers isn’t just filling a spot. She’s taking flight.
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