British Swimming deny reports linking London to 2012 European Championships

By Sportsbeat staff

BRITISH Swimming have denied reports they are stepping in to host the 2012 European Championship at the new Olympic pool.

Antwerp was originally slated to hold the event but a funding shortfall of £330,000 has forced the European Swimming Federation (LEN) to look for an alternative host. It's the second time the championship has been switched after Vienna previously pulled out due to the financial crisis.

The event was originally scheduled to be staged between May 16th and 27th and London 2012 organisers were not planning to stage competitions on the new Olympic Park after a Paralympic athletics event at the Olympic Stadium on May 8th.

"British Swimming can confirm that no discussions have taken place with LEN with regard to the staging of the 2012 European Championships following Antwerp’s recent withdrawal as host city," said a British Swimming statement.

"It is understood that LEN has held discussions with alternative cities with a view to hosting the event originally scheduled for May this year.

"However, British Swimming is planning to discuss with LEN the possibility of hosting future European Championships post-2012."

Great Britain has hosted the biennial competition on two previous occasions, the 1938 edition in London and the 1993 event at the Pond's Forge in Sheffield, where Nick Gillingham was the only home gold medallist.

Next month's British Gas Swimming Championships, the British Olympic selection meeting, is the official swimming test event for the Games.

© Sportsbeat 2012