As announced earlier this week for competitive pool swimming, the Ligue Européene de Natation (LEN) has approved new age groups for the European Open Water Junior Championships as well.
Per the recommendation of its Technical Services Committee, the LEN has devised the following age groups for the Open Water Junior Championships, with the swimmer’s age being determined as of December 31st of the year of competition:
• 14-15 years Boys and Girls
• 16-17 years Boys and Girls
• 18-19 years Boys and Girls
Of note, the minimum age for boys and girls has moved from 15 to 14 years old as of December 31st of the year of competition. Additionally, the higher end of age is now 19, whereas it has been 18 in the past.
Prior to the just-announced change, the Open Water age groups were segmented as men/women youth and men/women junior. The ‘youth’ segment included males and females aged 15-16 years, while the ‘junior’ category included males and females aged 17-18 years.
Team events are also classified along the new age regulations, with the categories being as follows:
14-15-16; & U/19
The LEN’s release can be read in its entirety here.