The European Championships<\/strong> get under way in Budapest on Monday with 51 countries – all but one of the national swimming federations – set to participate across swimming, open water, diving and artistic swimming.<\/p>\n

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Paolo Barelli: Photo Courtesy: Giorgio Scala\/Deepbluemedia\/Insidefoto<\/p><\/div>\n
\u201cToday this is the only way to organise such a large-scale event but I am sure, that despite all measures and strict protocols, our fantastic athletes will come up with outstanding performances.<\/p>\n
\u201cLet me thank them for their commitment as they had to train amidst extraordinary circumstances.<\/p>\n
“Similarly, LEN is extremely grateful for all coaches, officials and for each National Federation that even during these challenging times they did their utmost to keep up the desired level in their everyday activities.<\/p>\n
“This dedication makes Europe the leading continent in aquatics.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we look at the entries, we see that everyone is eager to compete with 24-25 nations entered for diving, artistic swimming and open water respectively, and despite the existing lockdown measures throughout the continent, a record of 51 nations are to take part in the swimming competitions.<\/p>\n
“LEN is really proud that we could welcome all our athletes, the leading aquatic stars and offer them a racing opportunity of the highest standards at the European Aquatics Championships.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
President of the Hungarian Swimming Association<\/strong> and head of the organising committee, Sandor Wladar<\/strong>, said that cancelling the event was never a real option, saying:<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Hungarian Government offered outstanding support in all fields and that made this event possible \u2013 something we and the LEN Family should be grateful for.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe never really considered the option of cancellation, we always believed that we could welcome the LEN Family in Budapest \u2013 and now it becomes reality.<\/p>\n
“We are close to the finish line, or, as a former swimmer, may I say: to the wall.<\/p>\n
“Soon we touch it \u2013 but this effort can only be a success if all participants offer its contribution and support since we are maintaining the largest bubble the sporting world has seen so far as we need
\nto take care of three thousand people inside.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Budapest will offer preparation for the athletes ahead of the Tokyo Olympics,<\/strong> said Wladar.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn Tokyo, they will meet even stricter rules, daily testing so this event is also a great opportunity to learn to live in a bubble and what this requires from an individual.<\/p>\n
“Believe me, it can be challenging sometimes so the European Championships is not the only top-level meet before the Olympics where the athletes can test themselves in the pool but it can also prepare them to get used to the circumstances they may face at the Games.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
For free live streaming and more, visit www.len.eu
\nFor detailed schedules, entry lists, starts lists go to budapest2020.microplustiming.com<\/p>\n
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