Sandwell Aquatics Centre to host first big event since Commonwealth Games
The British Diving Championship starts today and is on until Sunday.
The Speedo Aquatics GB Diving Championships are heading to Sandwell today, as the country’s flagship diving event returns to the venue that provided some incredible performances at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
The 2024 Speedo Aquatics GB Diving Championships will take place at the Sandwell Aquatics Centre from 23rd-26th May, with the event playing a key role in the selection of the Olympic team aiming to follow up a memorable Games in Tokyo and some record-breaking World Championship performances since – as well as selections for June’s European Championship team.
The first major senior event at the Commonwealth pool will see the schedule running across four days of competition, as the likes of Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix, Jack Laugher, Grace Reid and Noah Williams look to impress at the venue which brought them memorable Commonwealth titles two years ago.
It will also be the first chance for aquatics supporters to watch Britain's world-class divers competing in the venue since that international event, with tickets still available.
Adult tickets are available from £8.50, with concession tickets available from £6.50.
Tim Jones, Aquatics GB Associate Performance Director, said:
“It is a great step for our Aquatics GB Diving Championships that we can host this event in Sandwell this year, at a venue which means so much to so many of our divers following a triumphant Commonwealth Games in 2022.
“In terms of creating a legacy for the sport in this country, we are so pleased to be heading there - particularly in an Olympic year, when this event plays such an important part in us finalising the team that will head to Paris in the summer, as well the cohort heading to June's European Championships. We are grateful to the support of Sandwell Leisure Trust in working so collaboratively with us on this event.
“Our diving teams have gone from strength to strength in the three years since the last Olympic Games in so many areas, and I'd urge any fans to make sure they are in the stands to watch those world-class athletes - including Olympic, world and European champions - perform at their best in this competition, before all attentions turn to Paris.”
Sandwell Aquatics Centre General Manager Richard Whinnerah added:
“We can’t wait to host this prestigious event and welcome back our friends from Aquatics GB. As a venue used for the Commonwealth Games this event showcases the commitment to the legacy promises made. We hope that all volunteers, staff and competitors enjoy a fantastic event and look forward to coming back to Sandwell in the future.”
Councillor Kerrie Carmichael, Leader of Sandwell Council, said:
“This is an amazing opportunity for Sandwell to host the Aquatics Speedo GB Diving Championship at Sandwell Aquatics Centre in Smethwick. This will be the first major national diving event at the Aquatics Centre since hosting the swimming and diving events for the Commonwealth Games in 2022. We are pleased to see the diving facilities being used for major competitions and we look forward to hosting further events like this at the Aquatics Centre in future.”
Neil Rami, Chief Executive of the West Midlands Growth Company, said:
“The West Midlands sits at the heart of sport in the UK, offering visitors unforgettable sporting experiences and a unique opportunity to see their heroes up close every week of the year.
“The Aquatics GB Diving Championships are an exciting addition to the West Midlands’ sporting calendar, with the new Sandwell Aquatics Centre set to once again provide a fantastic backdrop for world-class diving, as it did so successfully during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
“We encourage seasoned sports fans, newcomers and families alike to snap up tickets and enjoy the country’s best divers battle it out for a coveted place in the squad for the Paris 2024 Olympics.”