LOOKING AHEAD: Swimmers will head to Ponds Forge in Sheffield for all three Swim England events (Image: Zac Goodwin/PA Wire)
By Joe Coy
Swim England have announced the dates and information for their 2026 schedule. All three events will take place at Ponds Forge in Sheffield. The National Summer Long Course Meet takes place between July 27 and August 1, with the qualifying window running from March 6 to May 10.
The National County Team Championship kicks off the competitive short course season on October 4 with more than 900 swimmers competing from more than 30 counties with races going on in two pools at the same time. The National Winter Short Course Meet is between December 10 and 13.
Locally, the closing date for the Cheshire County Championships is approaching. All entries must be received by January 6. The deadline for entries for the Lancashire County Championships is January 14. Both competitions start on January 24 and conclude on February 8.
It is with great sadness to report the passing of British Long Distance Swimming Association stalwart, Graham Smith (pictured below). Graham was a Life Member of the BLDSA and was a very keen follower of all things BLDSA. He was a regular attendee at events, including the City of Liverpool Ivan Percival swim, and ran the Windermere One Way event in 2005, 2006 and 2007.
He leaves behind, wife Margaret who is also an Executive Committee Member and Hon. Vice President of the BLDSA. Graham will be sadly missed, not just by the BLDSA but by all who knew him.
Finally, I would like to wish all individuals, swimmers and officials as well as all clubs a very happy and successful New Year.
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