Rookie of the Rings: Josh Kirlew

In a year of firsts, 2024 will be defined as a seminal moment for English-born swimmer Josh Kirlew, wearing the national colours for the first time on the biggest stage he has ever competed on.

Kirlew qualified for his first Olympic Games this year, months after he represented the country for the first time at the World Aquatic Championships in Doha, Qatar in February, posting a personal best time of 54.24 seconds in the men’s 100m butterfly. Born to a Jamaican mother, his decision to represent the island nationally was a no-brainer, given how ingrained he was in the culture thanks to his mother. Now he represents the young core of Jamaican swimmers looking to make a big impact and usher in a new age after the departure of five-time Olympian Alia Atkinson.