European Aquatics Masters Championships 2026 – sign up for a “unique” experience

This summer’s European Aquatics Masters Championships 2026, which will bring together five disciplines across three cities in Slovakia and Austria from August 18 to 30, will be unique.

“Our ambition is not only to present our country, but also to introduce a completely new concept of hosting events,” said Slovakia’s Ivana Lange, who is co-ordinating the competitive action which will take place in Samorin, Bratislava and Graz.

“This includes the cooperation of two countries, the inclusion of Para and Special Olympics communities, and, more broadly, the delivery of what we believe will be the first Championships designed and prepared exclusively with the needs of the Masters community in mind.

“We also strongly believe that the Masters community deserves to be celebrated and truly cherished, as it represents the most authentic evidence of how unique our sport is.

“Swimming accompanies us through all stages of life once we learn it as children, from saving lives, whether our own or others’, through recreational sport, high-performance sport, regeneration alongside other sports or rehabilitation after injury, to maintaining fitness at an advanced age.

“Most importantly, however, it is about building a community that grows and stays connected over the years.

“With this in mind, in Šamorín and Graz we aim to create a true celebration of our sport for the Masters category, celebrating not only the results, but also the journey and the legacy behind them.”

A former Masters swimmer herself, Lange is working on this ambitious project in partnership with European Aquatics, the Austrian Swimming Federation, the event company, Para and Special Olympics representatives, and the main event venue at the X-Bionic Sphere in Samorin.

Last summer the latter venue, Slovakia’s Olympic training centre, staged both the EA U23 and EA Junior Swimming Championships with huge success.

“Last year felt like a real summer fairy tale, and this year we would like to take things even further,” Lange added.

“For me personally, to bring major swimming events to my country is to see visions come to life.

“Ultimately I believe that the key to making these Championships successful is quite simple – to listen to the community and to genuinely enjoy the process of creating the best possible conditions for them to enjoy the event.”

To join the many who have already registered for this landmark competition, go to: https://eamasters26.com/

Mike Rowbottom for European Aquatics

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