National Winter Championships 2022 qualification period extended

Following a review, Swim England’s Swimming Leadership Group have voted to change the qualification period for the 2022 Swim England National Winter Championships.

The decision has been taken after feedback from coaches and swimmers noted that the opportunities to reach the qualification times have been severely restricted by the Covid-19 lockdown period.

There was little swimming in England between March 2020 until the start of the following season in September 2021 meaning there have been a limited number of meets for competitors to set a representative time in.

Having considered the situation, the decision has been made to change the initial qualifying date to 1 November 2019.

The times to enter will still have to be achieved at a Level 2 meet between this date and the closing date of 22 November 2022.

The online entry system has been updated to represent these changes and entries will still close at 12 noon on the closing date.

‘Opening The Door’

On the changes to the qualification period, Swim England’s National Talent Officer Richard Blackshaw said the changes allow more competitors to get involved.

He said: “It’s come to our attention that some swimmers have not had the opportunity to meet the qualification times.

“We want to ensure that the Swim England National Winter Championships brings together the nation’s top talent and extending this period opens the door for swimmers up and down the country that have shown the potential to qualify for this event.

“Given the circumstances, your understanding of this change is appreciated.”

The changes also affect the schedule for the event with the heats for the freestyle events on the final day being moved to the start and end of the session.

The 2022 Swim England National Winter Championships will take place at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre from 2-4 December.

You can find out more information and enter the event here.