British Swimming can confirm that the British Para-Swimming International Meet (BPSIM) will go ahead from 8th-11th April under revised conditions, following the government unveiling its roadmap out of the current UK lockdown.
With Monday’s announcement revealing that indoor pools cannot open until Monday 12th April – the day after BPSIM concludes – British Para-Swimming have made the decision that domestic entries will be restricted to swimmers named on the Elite Athlete RTT (return to training) lists.
Given those not on the government-approved RTT 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, which is taking place at Sheffield’s Ponds Forge International Sports Centre in 2021, will still form a leg of the World Para Swimming World Series and will be a key selection event for British para-swimmers aiming to make the team for Tokyo. Given the importance of the meet, we will be live streaming all of the action, with further details coming soon.
On today’s announcement, 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 like at 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. Full entry conditions can be found here.
Any domestic athlete who entered but is now unable to compete will receive an email in the near future offering them a full refund.
Further information on the British Championships and end-of-season competition opportunities will follow in the coming days.