Competitors and fans can expect a “unique” and “dynamic” experience during the first-ever LEN European U23 Swimming Championships which takes place over three action-packed days – from 11-13 August – in Ireland, this year.
Dublin 2023 will see some of the continents leading young athletes battle it out for medals in a competition which features a host of innovations.
Among the key notable changes to traditional elite championships will be inclusion of 50m freestyle ‘skins’ races.
Athletes aged 19-23 (born 2000-2004) will be eligible to compete, however, for the inaugural edition of the U23 Championships each Federation may enter one competitor per event who is aged 14-18 (born 2005-2009) as part of its four-strong competitor line-up.
It should also be noted that a competitor who has achieved an “A” qualifying time for an event at the World Aquatics Championships 2023 in Fukuoka, Japan, shall be eligible to compete in the equivalent event in Dublin.
LEN Office and LEN Technical Swimming Committee officials attended a “brilliant” site visit earlier this month and were unanimous in their praise of the organisers – Swim Ireland – as well as the venue – Sport Ireland: National Aquatic Centre.
“I must say that I really appreciated to see our friends from Swim Ireland welcome us with such enthusiasm,” stated LEN Sports Director Apostolos Tsagkarakis.
“The venue is just right for our inaugural European Under 23 Swimming Championships to be held in August. Big thanks to Swim Ireland’s CEO, Sarah Keane for her hospitality and kudos on leading such a professional group of people.
“Both sides, are equally excited to start preparing for the event and I can guarantee you that all athletes and staff attending will have a unique experience!”
LEN will be returning to The Sport Ireland: National Aquatic Centre 20 years after it held the 2003 European Short Course Championships during its opening year.
Craig Hunter, chairman of the LEN Technical Swimming Committee, was present at that event and he is enthusiastic about the prospects of returning.
“They (Sport Ireland and Swim Ireland) have been doing a lot of work around refurbishment and the venue presents a fabulous opportunity to run a really super three day short, fast and furious meet,” said Hunter.
“We’re going to run it in a semi-non-traditional format with some of the sports presentation, medal ceremonies and post-race interviews changed for a more dynamic environment.
“We all left feeling really positive and excited about this new event in August.”
The meeting in Dublin also provided LEN Office and Technical Swimming Committee members to discuss other wider topics such as the European Junior Swimming Championships (4-9 July) in Belgrade, the new LEN Athletes Commission, as well as the Coaching and Education Commissions.
“It was another very interesting meeting during which various exchanges amongst the Technical Committee (TC) members led to fruitful discussions to shape the future of the discipline, especially related to the brand new U23 Championships,” said LEN Executive Director Patrice Coste.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Swim Ireland for their hospitality and their contribution to a great weekend, similar to the previous TC meetings host federations in Serbia and Czech Republic.”
KEY DETAILS:
European Under 23 Swimming Championships 2023
