News

Swim Ireland and LEN (European Swimming Federation) announce the National Aquatic Centre at the Sport Ireland Campus as the host for the inaugural LEN European U23 Swimming Championships in 2023.

With the support of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Sport Ireland and the Sport Ireland Campus, the NAC will play host to some of Europe and Ireland’s most talented swimmers from August 10^th – 13^th 2023.

Eligible Irish athletes include Ireland’s newly minted European Record holder Daniel Wiffen, as well as 2021 World Short Course silver medallist Ellen Walshe and Irish Record holders Victoria Catterson, Niamh Coyne and Uiseann Cooke.

Amongst the European stars potentially in attendance will be teen swimming sensation David Popovici; the Romanian is the current 100m Freestyle World Record holder. World Champions Benedetta Pilato (Italy) and Thomas Ceccon (Italy) are also eligible.

Ireland has previously hosted the European Short Course Swimming Championships in 2003 and the World Para Swimming European Championships in 2018.

LEN President Antonio Silva commented, “I am really happy that we will be visiting Dublin for the first time in 23 years, since Ireland has a proud history in the sport. Aquatics is imbedded in Irish sport culture and the current leadership at the federation are working hard to support the development of European aquatics. With the new U23 Championships aiming to bridge the gap between junior and senior competition, we are confident that Dublin will offer optimal conditions for our rising stars.”

Swim Ireland CEO Sarah Keane added, “This is a fantastic win for Irish Swimming. For many years, we have been building towards hosting a major event at the NAC, and to be selected as the first country to host the U23 Championships is outstanding. We have a great competition and officials’ team who are relishing the opportunity to deliver this level of meet. Swimming fans will be treated to a brilliant spectacle as we welcome Europe’s elite to Dublin in August. Huge thanks must go to Minister Chambers and his Department and to Sport Ireland and Sport Ireland Campus who have supported Swim Ireland to make this a reality.”