By Paul Osborne

Matthew Mitcham leads a 12-strong Australian diving team for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow ©Getty ImagesApril 13 - Olympic gold medallist Matthew Mitcham will lead a 12-strong Australian diving team to the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the Australian Commonwealth Games Association announced today.

The Beijing 2008 10 metre platform champion is one of just three males named to the squad, as Australia looks to reclaim its title as the Commonwealth's premier diving nation.

The 26-year-old "veteran" is joined by Delhi 2010 springboard bronze medallist Grant Nell and 19-year-old platform specialist Domonic Bedggood.

Mitcham and Bedggood are expected to team up for the platform synchro event, while Nell will join Mitcham for the springboard synchro competition.

Melissa Wu, heading to her third Commonwealth Games, will spearhead the nine-strong women's team which includes 15-year-old debutant Georgia Sheena and Anna Gelai, who also makes her Commonwealth Games debut.

Also in the team is 17-year-old prospect Maddison Keeney, who won three titles at last week's selection trials to add to the double gold she took at the International Swimming Federation Diving Grand Prix event in Madrid earlier this year.

Hot prospect Maddison Keeney has made the Australian squad for the Commonwealth Games, fresh from her double gold at the FINA Grand Prix in Madrid ©AFP/Getty ImagesHot prospect Maddison Keeney has made the Australian squad for the Commonwealth Games, fresh from her double gold at the FINA Grand Prix in Madrid ©AFP/Getty Images



Syncro platform specialists Emily Boyd and Lara Tarvit will be hoping to improve on their fourth place at last year's World Championships when they make the trip to Glasgow, while London 2012 Olympian Anabelle Smith will be looking to add to the bronze she took in Delhi four years ago.

Smith and Keeney are expected to team up in the springboard synchro while also participating in the individual events.

Wu will be joined in the platform synchro by returnee Rachel Bugg, who makes the team despite retiring from diving after London 2012.

Bugg is also expected to compete in the individual platform event.

Chinese-born Esther Qin also makes the Australian team for Glasgow following a succession of consistent results over the past 12 months.

She is expected to partner Gelai in the springboard synchro while also competing in the individual 3m springboard event.

Australia secured 15 medals overall at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi with Matthew Mitcham earning four silvers ©AFP/Getty ImagesAustralia secured 15 medals overall at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi with Matthew Mitcham earning four silvers ©AFP/Getty Images



Following the announcement at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, Australian team Chef de Mission Steve Moneghetti welcomed the team and talked of his excitement for its high medal prospects when the Games are due to get underway on July 23.

"Diving is one of our most successful Commonwealth Games sports," said Moneghetti.

"It's a world sport and when it comes to the Commonwealth Games we have high expectations and they always deliver.

"We are delighted to have someone like Matt Mitcham in this group of 12.

"Not only is he a world class diver but he's great to have around the team.

"Matt's got an infectious nature and certainly his leadership from his experience point of view will help the younger members of what I think is a really well balanced team.

"They'll enjoy their experience in Glasgow for sure.

"It's a great mixture and while we always think that the Commonwealth Games is more developmental I can tell you those young athletes often perform at the Commonwealth Games and they are often the ones that get in the medals.

"Whilst we say it's developmental they develop by getting medals and this will be no exception."

Australia finished second on the diving medals tally behind Canada at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, securing two gold medals, seven silver and six bronze.

Four of these silvers were won by Mitcham.

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