Masters swimmers are being asked to put forward their views on what format the British Masters Championships should take in 2021. With coronavirus restrictions still covering large parts of the country, the Home Countries Masters Swimming Management Group has taken the ‘difficult decision’ that a ‘normal’ British Masters Swimming Championships will not be possible in 2021 year.
The event was due to hosted by Scottish Swimming and would probably have been held in April as part of the preparations for the LEN European Masters Swimming Championships 2021, which are due to take place in May.
Now, the Home Countries Masters Swimming Management Group has put forward a number of alternative options and is keen to hear the views of those who normally take part in the championships.
The proposals include delaying the long course competition until later in the year, starting smaller regional events or even holding virtual galas.
Nicola Latty, chairperson of the Home Countries Masters Swimming Management Group, said it was disappointing firm plans could not be put in place at this stage but it was the right call to make.
She added: “As a consequence of the Covid-19 restrictions and given the current uncertainty and the ever-changing situation, we have had to make the difficult decision that a ‘normal’ GB Masters Long Course Championships will not be possible.
“This is obviously disappointing, especially as the 2020 event was cancelled, but we’re keen to stage a competition in some format in 2021 and we are therefore reviewing various options.”
The 2020 European Masters Swimming Championships has been postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak. The spread of COVID-19 has immediately impacted the staging of sporting events around the world.
LEN European Masters Swimming Championships 2021 will be held in Budapest (Hungary) on May 26-31, 2021.
The 2021 FINA Aquatics World Masters Championships has been pushed back almost 12 months. Based on the situation, the FINA World Masters Championships will take place across the island of Kyushu (JPN), from May 31-June 9, 2022.
The great sports festival “World Masters Games Kansai 2021” has been postponed to 2022.
Regarding the result of IMGA General Assembly (November 5, 2020): It has been approved to postpone the World Masters Games Kansai 2021 for one year (to hold it in 2022).