British Swimming are pleased to confirm that the British Swimming Championships are returning to Sheffield in 2023 as a crucial part of the preparations for the 18-month run-in to Paris 2024.
Our flagship domestic swimming event will again be hosted at the Ponds Forge International Sports Centre, running for six days from 4th-9th April 2023 and playing a key role in the selection process for July's World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka - one year out from the Olympic Games.
The British Swimming Championships - which were back in Sheffield for the first time in half-a-decade earlier this year, to great success - will also assist in qualification for a number of junior representative teams across a busy year in 2023 that includes another LEN European Junior Championships, while athletes across all age ranges will be targeting fast swims, personal bests and strong arena performances against the country's best in one of the nation's most popular venues.
The 2022 edition was the first with crowds since 2019, and it helped set the stage for an unprecedented summer for Britain's swimmers, including a brilliant Men's 400m Individual Medley British record from Duncan Scott and breakthrough meets for Medi Harris and Lewis Burras - European champion and World Championship medallist respectively a few months later. Off the back of that domestic competition, Britain's elite went on to deliver consistently outstanding displays at the World Championships, Commonwealth Games, European Championships and European Juniors, all in the space of two months.
Speaking about the Ponds Forge announcement, Adam Clarke, British Swimming Associate Director, said: "It is fantastic to confirm that our flagship British Swimming Championships are back at Ponds Forge for a second consecutive season, a few months on from what was a memorable return to Sheffield in front of crowds who made for memorable atmospheres to match the great racing on show.
"The venue is always a popular one with athletes, staff and supporters alike, and we know it will again provide the stage for what is a key meet for British team selection. We know the British Swimming Championships are an important performance opportunity for every swimmer who steps on the blocks, and we are looking forward to seeing all athletes involved rise to the challenge in April.
"As ever, we are hugely grateful to all our partners, stakeholders and our incredibly dedicated volunteer workforce who provide all manner of support in ensuring we can stage a competition that has become such a huge part of the aquatics calendar in this country."
Councillor Martin Smith, Chair of the Economic Development and Skills Policy Committee for Sheffield City Council, added: "After hosting a series of major international sporting events this year, including World Snooker, UEFA Women’s Euros football, the Rugby League World Cup and the ISU Senior Grand Prix for Figure Skating, we are thrilled that the British Swimming Championships will return to Sheffield in 2023, showcasing the nation’s best swimmers, giving local people the chance, once again, to experience elite sport and welcoming visiting spectators to enjoy all Sheffield has to offer."
Conditions, qualifying times and other event information will be published and communicated in due course, including over on our Events & Tickets section.