- By Nick Hope
Aquatics correspondent in Rijeka
Defending champions Matteo Santoro, Giorgia de Sanctis, Jaden Eikermann and Amanda Lundin will be among the leading names seeking success at the 2023 European Junior Diving Championships in Croatia.
Over 300 of the most talented young divers from across the continent will gather at the Kantrida Swimming Pool complex in Rijeka for 7 days of competition from 19-25 August.
Rijeka is the third largest Croatian city, located on the Western coast and was the European Capital of Culture 2020 for the “Port of Diversity” programme.
The event, which provides equal opportunities for girls and boys across individual, synchronised and mixed team events, will see those born in 2008-2009 compete in B category events, while those born between 2005-2007, will be in the A Category.
Rijeka 2023 will be streamed on LEN’s YouTube Channel, with behind-the-scenes videos and highlights also shown across LEN’s social media outlets and the len.eu website.
Last year’s edition in Romania saw Italy top the medal standings with six golds and they, along with Britain who were second – although with a higher overall total of 13 honours – are likely to be among the major contenders again.
Robbie Lee, who claimed an impressive senior 10m silver at the European Games in Poland in June, is likely to be one of Great Britain’s leading medal prospects.
Germany, Ukraine, Spain and the hosts Croatia also possess many exciting prospects capable of boosting their nation’s haul.
“LEN puts a high priority on providing a talent pathway for athletes which allows them to experience elite competition from a young age,” said LEN President Antonio Silva.
“I am looking forward to seeing how many great “stars of the future” will emerge for the first time on the international stage in Rijeka in what I am sure will be a spectacular event.”
