COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – On the heels of virtual 2020 racing opportunities such as the Speedo Swim Again Series and the 18&Under Winter Championships, USA Swimming today announced the 2021 18&Under Spring Virtual Championships, its next month-long national virtual competition from March 3-28. 

This virtual competition allows athletes to compete from the comfort of their own local pools, while pitting their times against swimmers nationwide. It will feature both short-course yard and long-course meter events with results showcased on a virtual meet leaderboard. Following the conclusion of the event, the top-3 men’s, women’s and combined team finishers will be recognized in each format. 

“The Senior Development committee has done an excellent job of working with staff to foster competitive opportunities for our 18 and under athletes across the country,” USA Swimming Managing Director of Sport Development Joel Shinofield said. “We hope these types of national events bring together our community to create opportunities around the country to race safely, whether head-to-head or in their team’s pool.”

All swimmers must be 18 years or younger as of March 3, 2021 and must meet the 2020 18&Under Winter Championships qualifying time (Futures + 1%) to compete. The qualifying time period for this meet is November 1, 2018 and March 2, 2021. Times will be accepted from all existing sanctioned meets, such as Speedo Sectionals and LSC Championships, and meets specifically created for the virtual event.

All competition must conform to local, state, and federal public health guidelines.