Press Release

Junior swimmers ready for European challenge

28th July 2008

A 44-strong squad of some of Britain's most exciting swimming prospects will test themselves against the sport's best youngsters from around Europe at the European Junior Championships in Belgrade.

The largest ever team of British swimmers to qualify for a European Junior Championships look ready to test themselves against Europe's next generation of sporting champions.

The event, which runs from 30th July - 3rd August, also provides a valuable opportunity for young swimmers to compete internationally as they look towards the next four years and the London Olympics.

With the sport preparing for the 2012 Games, the European Junior Championships both this year and next will have greater significance as the athletes competing in these championships will be in their prime.

Head Coach Dave Champion is excited by the promise within the squad and will be looking for consistency from the young squad.

"This squad includes many of the athletes that recently competed in Mexico at the World Junior Championships," Champion said. "We have an excellent mix of debutants and experience in the squad and I expect them all to step up their game in Belgrade.

"For a lot of the athletes this competition will be like nothing they have ever experienced before and I think that the coaches and support staff will take the emphasis off the competition and get the athletes to enjoy themselves.

"I think the squad will relax and compete well in Belgrade and enjoy racing different types of swimmers. We will face tough competition but I think that the quality in the squad will shine through."

A squad of nine experienced British swimmers are set to compete in the US Open Meet from July 29th-August 2nd, at the University of Minnesota Aquatic Centre.

Head coach Ian Armiger said, "This is an ideal opportunity for those swimmers who achieved Olympic Qualifying times but didn't make the team to finish their season in style." He continued "We have a select group of outstanding swimmers on this team and will be looking to make a major impact at this meet."

The meet will follow the established timetable of morning prelims starting at 9am, with the evening finals commencing at 6pm.