Saturday 23rd November will see the International Swimming League (ISL) make its debut in the UK, as London Roar host a leg of the inaugural edition of the league at the London Aquatics Centre.
Taking place on Saturday and Sunday evening, the action-packed two hour sessions will take place in front of sell-out crowds, with a number of Britain’s best swimmers in action for each of the four teams involved in the European Derby.
Adam Peaty leads the line for the hosts, London Roar, and will look to build on his debut outing in the competition in Budapest four weeks ago. Inside the Duna Arena the Olympic champion took victory in the 50m and 100m Breaststroke, the Men's 4 x 100m Medley Relay as well as finishing third in the 200m Breaststroke.
James Guy and Sarah Vasey were also in action in the Hungarian capital, the latter helping the Roar to second in the Women's 4 x 100m Medley Relay, and they’ll both be hoping to help the hosts to a third straight win on home soil.
Making their debuts in the completion for the UK based team, who will hope to qualify for the Final Match in Las Vegas just before Christmas, are Olympic medallist Siobhan-Marie O’Connor and World Champion Duncan Scott. O’Connor will look to use her class in the medley events, whilst Scott will hope to build on the nine BUCS titles he won just last weekend.
Commenting, O’Connor said:
“I’ve been so impressed by London Roar. They have smashed the first two rounds and I’m really proud to be part of such a great team. I always knew we had such a strong team on paper, but it’s all about coming together and giving great performances on the day, and London Roar have definitely done that, so I can’t wait to be with the team at the London leg.”
Scott added:
“The team environment poolside looks great to be a part of, and the atmosphere at each of the matches has looked immense, so I’m expecting big things. It’s asking swimmers to compete for an outcome that has never been there before in swimming – with the sense of points and performing for the team.”
Freya Anderson will also make her debut for Aqua Centurians knowing that if she’s in good form she could well be called up for the skins event, which acts as a finale to each match and carries triple points for the top two swimmers. Also in action for the Italian squad is Hannah Miley, whilst Ross Murdoch will contest the breaststroke events for Iron.
The final team in action this weekend are Energy Standard, who boast Ben Proud, Max Litchfield, Georgia Davies, Kayla Van Der Merwe and Imogen Clarke among their ranks and will go toe-to-toe with London Roar, with one team set to lose their two match winning streak.
You can follow all the action live on Eurosport from 5pm on both Saturday and Sunday, with coverage also available from the British Swimming social media channels.