Commonwealth Games pool to host Speedo Aquatics GB Diving Champs

“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.”

Mark Braithwaite, Chief Executive Officer of Sandwell Leisure Trust (SLT), said: “We are tremendously proud and honoured to host the national diving championships at Sandwell Aquatics Centre. This prestigious event showcases some of the very best talent in the diving world and is a testament to our facility’s exceptional standards and further highlights the aims for both Sandwell Leisure Trust and Sandwell Council to deliver national events as part of the Commonwealth Games Legacy.

“We look forward to welcoming spectators and participants to experience the championships. It will be a remarkable display of skill that we hope will motivate people in Sandwell, and all watching, to take the plunge into diving or any of the incredible aquatics programmes we offer.”

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.”

For those not able to attend in person, every final from the event will be broadcast live on BBC Sport and BBC iPlayer.

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