Sheffield to host British Swimming Championships in 2022

British Swimming has confirmed that Sheffield is to play host to the British Swimming Championships in April 2022.

The iconic Ponds Forge International Sports Centre will welcome athletes between 5-10 April, many of whom will be vying for qualification for the World Championships and Commonwealth Games.

The event is also well placed to help team selections for the remaining junior international meets in the competition calendar which will include the European and World Junior Championships.

British Swimming has stated that details of the event are still being finalised, though the aspiration is for the competition to be more inclusive to allow more athletes to compete across junior and senior sections.

They are remaining ‘optimistic’ of putting on a ‘large-scale meet’ and acknowledge the possibility that alternative plans may be required.

Jack Buckner, British Swimming CEO said: “We are so pleased to confirm this news ahead of the New Year, as a sign of our ongoing efforts to carry the momentum of an incredible 2021 into the next Olympic cycle.

“Returning the British Swimming Championships to Ponds Forge is always a great moment as the venue holds so many happy racing memories for many of our athletes of all ages.

“We know how valuable a boost this major event can give to the aquatics community, and it is with thanks to our partners that we are able to provide that boost.”

‘Keep building into 2022’

Chris Spice, British Swimming performance director added: “The past 12 months have certainly had their challenges for us all – but the performances, results and attitudes of our swimmers across that time has been incredible, culminating in that Olympic Games in Tokyo.

“Now, we are now looking to keep building from there and into a packed 2022, which features three major international competitions.

“The British Swimming Championships are the first big focus for our athletes in the year and it provides a huge platform for the months ahead, playing a key part in team selections as we target more success at the World Championships in Fukuoka, our benchmark meet in 2022, as well as the Europeans.

“There is also a Commonwealth Games in England, and we know how key the Ponds Forge event will be for our Home Nations partners.

“We will continue to work closely with those partners, not only with that elite focus, but also on doing all we can to make this meet as inclusive and open as possible in the current circumstances. Learnings from previous events hosted during the pandemic will be so valuable.”

Councillor Mazher Iqbal, Executive Member for City Futures: Development, Culture and Regeneration in Sheffield, said: “We are thrilled that Sheffield has been selected to host the British Swimming Championships next year.

“Sheffield has a rich and inclusive sporting history with world-class sporting facilities so it is great to see this exciting, elite event taking place in our city which will hopefully inspire swimmers and fans of all ages and abilities.

“We know things for large-scale events are uncertain right now, but we do hope that the event in its full glory will be able to take place safely as planned and we look forward to welcoming athletes and spectators from around the country to enjoy the event and all Sheffield has to offer.”

Further details of the championships will be available from British Swimming in due course.