Great Britain Swimming has announced that a strong team of 14 swimmers has been nominated to represent GB students at this summers’ 2019 World University Games.
The team will travel to Naples, Italy for the landmark 30th edition of the Summer Universiade which takes place between 3-14 July.
As an indicator of its strength, more than half the team have represented Great Britain at the senior level. Headlining the talented squad is two time Olympian Craig Benson, the University of Stirling student having won two medals at the 2015 edition of these championships.
Also a European champion, Commonwealth Games fourth placer and former World Junior champion, Benson is included after swimming world class times in both the 100m and 200m breaststroke at the British Swimming Championships two weeks ago.
Also named are Commonwealth Games 50m Breaststroke champion Sarah Vasey, Commonwealth Games 400m Individual Medley silver medallist Mark Szaranek and European Championship 4x100m Medley Relay gold medallist Charlotte Atkinson.
After winning the 100m Breaststroke at the British Championships, Loughborough University student and 200m Breaststroke British record holder Jocelyn Ulyett is also part of the line-up who’ll be chasing medals.
Of the squad headed for Italy, Team Leader Adam Clarke said:
“The World University Games is the second largest multi-sport event after the Olympics, and a great opportunity for British swimmers to compete on the world stage. The team we have nominated to represent British University and College Sport is packed with a wealth of experience, with 11 of the team in action for their home nations at last year’s Commonwealth Games, and four athletes making their second Summer Universiade appearance.
“We also have two athletes, Emily Barclay and Alicia Wilson, making their debuts at this level and the Games will provide a great opportunity for them to accelerate their development and continue their journey towards future senior success on the world stage.
“It is always a great experience to work with the BUCS team and I’m very much looking forward to an exciting programme of swimming in Naples in July.”
Ross Simpson, BUCS Deputy Chef de Mission, added:
“It is fantastic to see such a high calibre of athlete selected by British Swimming for the World University Games this summer in Naples.
“GB students will have a delegation of around 135 athletes and staff and I am sure Adam and his squad will provide a lot of experience to the overall success of the team. I hope the swimming venue, Piscina Scandone, will be the scene of plenty great results, PB’s and a brilliant experience for those involved. Well done to all of those selected; as always it highlights the strength of swimming within universities.”
Great Britain Swimming’s 2019 World University Games Roster:
- Charlotte Atkinson, Isle of Man, Loughborough University
- Emily Barclay, England, Loughborough University
- Craig Benson, Scotland, University of Stirling
- David Cumberlidge, England, Edinburgh University
- Chloe Golding, England, Manchester Metropolitan
- Kathryn Greenslade, Wales, Edinburgh University
- Joe Litchfield, England, Sheffield Hallam
- Katie Matts, England, Manchester Metropolitan
- Craig McLean, Scotland, University of Stirling
- Mark Szaranek, Scotland, University of Florida
- Jocelyn Ulyett, England, Loughborough University
- Sarah Vasey, England, Loughborough University
- Alicia Wilson, England, University of California, Berkley
- Abbie Wood, England, Loughborough University
As a British Universities and College Sport representative team, selections are subject to confirmation of academic eligibility.
— The above press release was posted by Swimming World in conjunction with Great Britain Swimming. For press releases and advertising inquiries please contact Advertising@SwimmingWorld.com.
