European Aquatics is delighted to celebrate a landmark moment for the masters community as preparations continue for the European Aquatics Short Course Swimming Championships Masters Lublin 2025, taking place from 10-14 December. With just under 2,000 registrations confirmed – including 1,414 athletes alongside coaches, team staff, and support personnel – the second edition of this event has already made history as it added 50% to the figures from the inaugural edition of the competition in 2023.
The remarkable growth in participation highlights the strength and vitality of Masters swimming across the continent. Having launched the inaugural edition two years ago, European Aquatics has seen enthusiasm for the Championships rise rapidly, demonstrating the increasing appetite among Masters athletes for high-level, accessible international competition.
Reflecting on this achievement, Apostolos Tsagkarakis, Sports Director of European Aquatics, paid tribute to both the athletes and the organisers:
“We embarked on the European Aquatics Short Course Swimming Championships Masters Championships journey in the summer of 2023, announcing the first edition of the event in the following September, and the inaugural event took place in November 2023 with 950 athletes. The second edition is now here and we have almost surpassed 2,000 registrations. This validates our efforts of creating more opportunities for the thousands of masters swimmers to compete at the highest level, in Europe, more often.” He said.
“The organising committee in Lublin has put together a wonderful team, and I am certain that everyone who will be attending the event will feel a great sense of celebration and competitive spirit. You should expect some amazing surprises!
“European Aquatics has realised for some time now that sport does not complete its cycle at an Olympic Games, World or European Championships. Masters athletes are superheroes. They juggle demanding lives in and out of the water; from work-life to family time to intense training, to ultimately planning trips to unite with friends and fellow competitors. This is just the essence of staying active, forever!”
With anticipation building, Lublin is preparing to welcome athletes from across Europe for five days of high-intensity competition. and stories that would never be replicated at elite level. The continued growth of the Championships underlines European Aquatics’ commitment to fostering lifelong participation, recognising the Masters community as an integral pillar of the aquatic family.
The 2025 Championships promise to be a vibrant showcase of dedication and passion, which is a fitting testament to a movement that continues to inspire across generations.
Stephen Stanley for European Aquatics
