Twenty of Britain’s brightest swimming talents have been named to represent the nation at the second edition of the European U23 Swimming Championships, set to take place from 26 to 28 June 2025 in Samorin, Slovakia. This fast-growing competition, introduced in 2023 in Dublin, aims to serve as a crucial stepping stone for Europe’s emerging swimmers, providing them with high-level international exposure. With a blend of Olympic experience and a core of fresh, ambitious faces, the British squad will be looking to replicate its dominance from Dublin, where it topped the medal table.
Britain’s Next Generation Ready to Shine in Slovakia.
If one theme runs through this selection, it’s youthful ambition. With the exception of Olympic relay medallist Alexander Cohoon, who helped Britain to bronze in the mixed 4x100m freestyle relay in Dublin and Honey Osrin, the majority of this group is composed of swimmers still chasing their first major international breakthrough. Among the most exciting newcomers is Megan Barnes, who clinched the British title in the women’s 400m freestyle earlier this year. For her, Samorin will mark a first venture onto the European stage with the Union Jack on her cap.
She’s joined by the likes of Rory Dickson and Niamh Ward, both of whom are expected to make an impact in the middle-distance events, an area where British swimming has been searching for fresh impetus in recent seasons. Dickson, known for his consistency in the 200m and 400m freestyle, and Ward, one of the fastest-rising young swimmers from the University of Bath, are tipped to grow into serious contenders in years to come.
Behind these exciting rookies lies a group of young swimmers already well embedded in the national setup. Tyler Melbourne-Smith (800m) and Reece Grady (1500m) were crowned British champions in April in London and have been quietly building reputations as long-distance specialists capable of taking on Europe’s best. Their ability to convert national form into international success will be closely watched.
Three returnees from last year’s inaugural U23 Euros in Dublin : Lucy Grieve, Evelyn Davis, and Charlie Hutchison, bring added experience and motivation. With another year of high-performance training under their belts, they’ll be aiming to turn last year’s lessons into this year’s podiums.
According to Nathan Hilton, Team Leader for Aquatics GB, the U23 Championships play a pivotal role in nurturing future Olympic prospects:
“The aim is to provide a world-class competitive environment that gives these athletes the experience of racing against top-level European opposition. It’s about building the foundations for senior success – not just next season, but looking ahead to Los Angeles and Brisbane.”
A Crucial Stepping Stone Between Junior and Senior Stages
The U23 Championships are unique in the way they bridge the often-awkward gap between junior success and the rigours of senior international swimming. Seven members of last year’s British team in Dublin went on to earn selection for the upcoming World Championships in Singapore : a clear sign that this meet is becoming an essential launchpad for the next generation.
Set in a venue known for fast water and optimal race conditions, the Samorin meet will test not only individual performances but also how well these young Brits can gel as a squad. That team spirit is a cornerstone of the GB setup, and this event will be another opportunity to cultivate it under pressure.
Swimmers like Osrin and Cohoon have already lived the Olympic experience, but for the bulk of this group, Samorin is a first taste of what it means to compete in a high-stakes international arena. The challenge will be to rise to the occasion, not only to win medals, but to show selectors and coaches that they’re ready for the next level.
Whether it’s Joshua Gammon, a butterfly specialist from Bath Performance Centre, or Erin Little, who’s been making waves in freestyle sprinting, each name on this list brings something unique to the table. Their performances in Slovakia could well be the start of something much bigger, not just for them individually, but for British Swimming’s future.
Full British Team for the upcoming U23 European Swimming Championships (26-28 june 2025, Samorin, Slovakia) :
- Alexander Cohoon – Loughborough Performance Centre
- David Annis – University of Stirling
- Megan Barnes – Mount Kelly Swimming
- Cameron Brooker – Bath Performance Centre
- Evelyn Davis – University of Stirling
- Rory Dickson – University of Stirling
- Nicholas Finch – Chelsea & Westminster
- Joshua Gammon – Bath Performance Centre
- Reece Grady – Stockport Metro
- Lucy Grieve – University of Stirling
- Charlie Hutchison – Loughborough University
- Erin Little – Mount Kelly Swimming
- Tyler Melbourne-Smith – Loughborough University
- Honey Osrin – Loughborough Performance Centre
- Alexander Painter – Millfield
- Darcy Revitt – Guildford City
- Jack Skerry – Bath Performance Centre
- George Smith – University of Stirling
- Matthew Ward – Bath Performance Centre
- Niamh Ward – University of Bath
