British Para-Swimming International Meet To Be Restricted To Elite Swimmers

ellie-simmonds-2019
Ellie Simmonds: Photo Courtesy: British Swimming

The British Para-Swimming International Meet (BPSIM) – a key selection meet for the Tokyo Paralympic Games – will go ahead in Sheffield from 8-11 April but with entries restricted to swimmers on the Elite Athlete Return to Training lists.

This follows the government unveiling of its roadmap out of the current lockdown in England which means that pools cannot open until Monday 12 April – the day after BPSIM concludes.

A press release from British Swimming stated:

“Given those not on the government-approved RTT (return to training) list will not have had access to a pool prior to the event, British Para-Swimming were left with no alternative; as such, the national element of the meeting will no longer take place.”

The event at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre will still form a leg of the World Para Swimming World Series as well as being a selection meet for the British para-swimmers aiming to book a spot on the team for Tokyo.

The Paralympic Games are scheduled to run from 24 August-5 September.

British Para-Swimming’s national performance director, Chris Furber, said:

“This is not a decision we have taken lightly, but given the latest set of government guidelines, we were left with very few options.

“I and everyone at British Swimming understands how hard it is for those swimmers who cannot currently train, and whilst this is another blow, there is now some light at the end of the tunnel.

“As I’ve said before, the BPSIM is absolutely key for our athletes who are on the pathway to Tokyo, and after the Manchester International earlier this month, I am extremely confident we will have a safe and successful meet in April.”

Just as with the Manchester International, the BPSIM will be run under a strict set of protocols, with the health and safety of everyone involved paramount.

The measures in place will include, but not be limited to, pre-competition testing, a competition bubble and restricted venue access.


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