Rising Stars Unleashed: Britain Selects 16 Swimmers to Make Waves at 2025 European Youth Olympic Festival…Read More…
Team Great Britain has officially announced the selection of 16 talented young swimmers who will represent the nation at the 2025 European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF), set to take place later this summer in Tbilisi, Georgia. The announcement has sparked excitement across the British swimming community, as it signals a new wave of rising talent ready to showcase their prowess on an international stage.
The European Youth Olympic Festival, a prestigious biennial multi-sport event for athletes aged 14 to 18, is widely regarded as a springboard for future Olympians. This year’s edition promises to be no exception, and the British contingent is brimming with potential and ambition.
A Balanced Blend of Power and Promise
The selected British team features eight boys and eight girls, each earning their spot after strong performances at national competitions and selection trials. The roster includes swimmers from clubs across England, Scotland, and Wales, highlighting the strength and depth of the UK’s development programs.
Team Leader Chris Jones, Head Coach at Swim Wales, expressed confidence in the group:
“These swimmers have demonstrated remarkable determination and talent to reach this level. EYOF is a unique opportunity that offers the experience of an Olympic-style environment, and I have no doubt they’ll rise to the challenge and represent Great Britain with pride.”
The team includes standout names like Emily Hayward (City of Sheffield), who impressed at the British Swimming Championships with a commanding win in the 200m backstroke for her age group. On the boys’ side, Kai Campbell (City of Glasgow Swim Team) has been drawing attention with his explosive performances in the freestyle sprints.
A Stepping Stone Toward Greatness
Many athletes view the EYOF as a critical stepping stone toward elite competition. Past editions have seen future Olympians like Tom Dean, Duncan Scott, and Freya Anderson use the platform as a launching pad for international careers.
British Swimming’s Pathway Development Manager, Sarah Green, emphasized the importance of the experience:
“The EYOF gives young athletes a taste of competing internationally against Europe’s best in a high-pressure, multi-sport environment. It’s not just about medals – it’s about building resilience, learning to perform under pressure, and beginning their journey as future ambassadors of British sport.”
For many on the team, this will be their first taste of representing their country in a multi-national event. The opportunity to live in an athletes’ village, wear the Union Jack, and walk in the opening ceremony is often a life-changing moment, instilling pride and motivation that fuels years of dedication.
Preparing for Tbilisi
The 2025 EYOF swimming events will be held at the newly refurbished Olympic Aquatic Centre in Tbilisi, which hosted the event back in 2015. Over 50 nations will compete, with more than 350 swimmers vying for medals across a wide range of events.
To prepare, Team GB’s swimmers will attend a pre-departure training camp at Loughborough University, where they’ll focus on race execution, team bonding, and acclimating to the competition format. Coaches will also emphasize mental preparation, nutrition, and recovery strategies — essential elements in a tightly scheduled meet like EYOF.
Team captain, Isobel Trent, a 15-year-old distance specialist from the Bath National Centre, said:
“It’s such an honour to be named captain. We’re all pushing each other to be better every day, and we’re really excited to show what we can do on the European stage.”
Building Toward Paris 2028 and Beyond
While the 2025 EYOF is primarily a youth-focused event, it plays a pivotal role in Team GB’s long-term strategy leading up to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles and the 2032 Games in Brisbane. British Swimming officials see these selections not just as short-term success but as part of a broader vision for sustainable elite development.
Performance Director Bill Furniss, who oversaw Britain’s record-breaking performance at Tokyo 2020, remarked:
“Talent development is a marathon, not a sprint. Events like the EYOF give us a crucial benchmark for our rising stars and allow us to nurture the next generation in a structured, performance-driven environment.”
Full Squad List
The 16 athletes selected to represent Team GB in swimming at the 2025 EYOF are:
Girls:
- Emily Hayward (City of Sheffield)
- Isobel Trent (Bath National Centre)
- Maya Dempsey (City of Leicester)
- Sophie Lin (Mount Kelly)
- Alice Roberts (City of Cardiff)
- Hannah Morgan (Guildford)
- Ella McIntyre (Nova Centurion)
- Lottie Mears (Plymouth Leander)
Boys:
- Kai Campbell (City of Glasgow)
- Tom Doyle (City of Leeds)
- Max Peterson (Millfield School)
- Freddie Singh (Wycombe District)
- Josh Lambert (City of Manchester Aquatics)
- Lucas O’Connor (Hatfield)
- James Ford (City of Birmingham)
- Rhys Sullivan (Warrender Baths Club)
Looking Ahead
As the countdown to the EYOF begins, excitement is building not only among the athletes and their families but across the British swimming community. Social media buzz, club announcements, and regional press have all begun rallying behind their local heroes.
With a strong support system in place and the backing of British Swimming, this group of 16 swimmers is poised to make a splash — not just in Tbilisi, but on the future world stage.
As the Union Jack prepares to fly over the Olympic pool once more, all eyes will be on these young talents as they aim to make Britain proud and carve their names into the next chapter of British swimming history.
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