Period of Qualification for the National Winter Championships in 2022 Extended

Swim England’s Swimming Leadership Group has decided to alter the qualification period for the Swim England National Winter Championships in 2022 following a review.

The decision was made in response to feedback from coaches and swimmers who noted that the Covid-19 lockdown period had severely constrained their ability to achieve the qualification times.

Since there was little swimming in England from March 2020 to the beginning of the following season in September 2021, there have been few meets for competitors to record a competitive time in.

The decision has been made to move the initial qualifying date to November 1, 2019, after taking everything into account.

Between this time and the entry deadline of November 22, 2022, the required times will still need to be accomplished at a Level 2 meet.

On the closing date, entries will still close at 12 p.m. despite the fact that the online entry system has been updated to reflect these changes.

Opening the Door’

Richard Blackshaw, National Talent Officer for Swim England, commented on the modifications to the qualification period by saying that they enable more competitors to participate.

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 heats for the freestyle events on the final day are now at the beginning and end of the session as a result of the changes to the event’s schedule.

From December 2 to 4, 2022, Ponds Forge International Sports Center will host the Swim England National Winter Championships.

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