Figures draw confirmed as National Age Group Championships returns

The draw for the figures competition at the Swim England Artistic Swimming National Age Group Championships has been confirmed.

Almost 140 athletes from 21 clubs will be taking part in the event at Gloucester’s GL1 Leisure Centre on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 April.

The National Age Group Championships is the top level domestic competition for young artistic swimmers and features under-12s and 13-15 years age groups.

Kicking off the competition is the figures event where athletes will receive a score based on their performance of four figures which increase in difficulty for each group.

This year’s draw is:

• 12 and under: 106 Straight Ballet Leg; 301 Barracuda; 420 Walkover Back; 327 Ballerina
• 13-15 years: 423 Ariana; 143 Rio; 240a Albatross Half Twist; 437 Swordtail.

There are four types of competition at the National Age Group Championships:

1. The figures
2. The solo competition is open to the top 12 athletes from these figures rankings who wish to enter in each age group.
3. The duet competition is open to the top 12 athletes, and Mixed Duet competition is open to all athletes, but pairs must consist of two swimmers from the same club for both competitions.
4. The team competition features between four and eight swimmers.

The top athletes will often aim for the ‘clean sweep’ of golds over solo, duet and team for their age group.

Fantastic weekend

Maria Ramos, chair of the Swim England Artistic Swimming Leadership Team, said: “It’s been two years since the last National Age Group Championships and we’re really looking forward to a fantastic weekend of watching the country’s best young artistic swimmers giving it their all.

“It’s going to be great being back on poolside for a national event with a crowd cheering on all the competitors.

“Our thanks go to everyone taking part and those coming along to support them as well as all the volunteers who make the event possible.”

During Saturday, there will be performances from GB duet Kate Shortman and Izzy Thorpe.

The duet are featured in the official programme for the event talking about their experiences competing at the first Olympic Games in Tokyo last year and their memories of taking part in the National Age Group Championships.

Tickets for the National Age Group Championships are only available to purchase online.

No tickets are available to purchase on venue and the front of house will only accept card payments.

Tickets are priced at £15 for both days or £10.50 for an individual day and can be purchased by clicking here.

Reports throughout the weekend will be published on the artistic swimming hub of the Swim England website and updates will also be posted on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #SEartistic