In the coming summer, Vilnius will host a sport never seen before in Lithuania event – European Youth Swimming Championship. In commemoration of the centenary of Lithuanian swimming, the participants of the 50th anniversary championship will be hosted by Vilnius Lazdynai swimming pool. Lithuania's candidacy to organize the most important youth swimming competition in Europe was approved by the management of "European Aquatics".
"We are happy and proud that we will have the opportunity to organize the 2024 European Youth Swimming Championship in Lithuania. This is a big challenge, but it not only symbolizes the desire to further popularize Lithuanian swimming, but also reflects confidence in our association LTU Aquatics at the international level. This is a historic event for Lithuanian swimming and a great opportunity to inspire the young generation to become Olympic swimmers of the future," said association president Saulius Binevičius.
Since 1924, when the first official swimming competitions were held in Lithuania, many of our country's swimming stars have shone brightly, making the name of Lithuania famous far beyond its borders.
The most promising young swimmers from all over Europe will gather at this prestigious event, which will be held for the first time in Lithuania. About 900 participants are expected in Vilnius, including athletes, their coaches, heads of delegations and service staff, competition judges and guests from European Aquatics. A large group of foreign fans is also expected.
Opened this year after reconstruction, the Lazdynai swimming pool has been renovated in accordance with the standards of the international water sports federation "World Aquatics", so swimmers will be able to achieve the highest results and show everyone what they are best at.
"We have a really great sports infrastructure in Lithuania, so it is especially important to use it for the highest level international events. The 2024 European Youth Swimming Championship will be a great opportunity to present the sporting and organizational potential of our country, to show that Lithuania is ready to host international swimming sports events at the highest level. We believe that this event will leave a great impression not only on the participants of the event, but also on the entire Lithuanian swimming community," said LTU Aquatics General Secretary Justas Kalinauskas.
According to him, the European Youth Championship is a great opportunity for Lithuania to continue the hundred-year tradition of swimming and to inspire new champions of the young generation. The association hopes that at this event, the athletes will be able to compete in a safe and fair environment for everyone, and the spectators will have an exciting atmosphere and great impressions that will last for a long time.
In addition to the usual competition program, various cultural events will take place throughout the championship events and activities to commemorate the centenary of Lithuanian swimming and honor the creators of its history.
"We believe that an international event of this level will help the National Sports Agency and the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports in the future to encourage federations to organize international competitions of the highest level in our country." Preparing to meet the best young athletes of the Old Continent in Vilnius, LTU Aquatics invites everyone to celebrate the past, present and future of Lithuanian swimming. We invite everyone who is interested in the sport of swimming to contribute to the implementation of this historic event. Only with the efforts of the entire community will we organize a memorable and inspiring championship, which will leave an indelible impression on the participants and the entire LTU Aquatics family," said J. Kalinauskas.
This year, the European Youth Championship was held in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Lithuania was represented by a record team of 19 athletes, who won one gold and one bronze medal each.
Smiltė Plytnykaitė triumphed in the girls' 100 m freestyle swimming final in the championship, and Kristupas Trepočka, Kirilas Stepanovas, Tajus Juška and Rokas Jazdauskas became the prize winners in the boys' team relay of 4 each in 100 m freestyle.
In the past, Aiškutė Buzelytė, Aleksas Savickas, Andrius Šidlauskas, Danas Rapšys, Kotryna Teterevkova, Raimundas Mažuolis, Rimvydas Šalčius, Rolandas Gimbutis and Rūta Meilutytė have also won European youth swimming championship titles.
