Some of the best swimmers from the UK and abroad will compete at the Edinburgh International Swim Meet (EISM) next month. The event takes place at the Royal Commonwealth Pool 11-13 March, following its successful re-launch in 2015.

Event organisers, the Scottish Amateur Swimming Association (SASA) East District are working with sponsors the University of Edinburgh and Speedo to bring world-class swimmers to the Scottish capital. The meet provides a perfect opportunity for those heading to the British Olympic trials in Glasgow in April to assess their preparations for Rio. As a result, the EISM is one of the biggest events in the Scottish sporting calendar this year, alongside the likes of the Edinburgh Cross Country and Sainsbury’s Glasgow Grand Prix.

The best of British swimming talent will be on show in Edinburgh alongside up-and-coming stars. Current world record-holder in 50m and 100m breaststroke Adam Peaty will compete, as will Commonwealth games gold medalist Ross Murdoch and world championship bronze medalists Jazz Carlin and Siobhan Marie O’Connor. Other Commonwealth games stars such as Hannah Miley, Stephen Milne, Duncan Scott, Corrie Scott and Robbie Renwick are expected to attend.

Bringing an international flavour to the event will be Serbian world championship finalist, Caba Siladji and Danish athletes Mei Nielsen, who set a new world backstroke record in 2015, and 2014 European butterfly champion Viktor Bromer.

SASA East District President Ronnie Anderson commented:

“We are delighted to work in partnership with the University of Edinburgh to stage the event and to have Speedo as swimwear sponsor. Both, leaders in their fields, will add greatly to what we can offer swimmers competing in March. There will be a wealth of talent on display. The format provides an opportunity for our aspiring younger swimmers to enjoy the experience of swimming and competing alongside British and world elite."

Jim Aitken, Director of The University of Edinburgh Sport & Exercise, stated:

“The University of Edinburgh is thrilled to be lead sponsor of the EISM for the second time. Swimming is one of the University’s leading sports and we see EISM as an exciting way to showcase our world-class Performance Sport Programme and the University, while also supporting SASA East in delivering another magnificent sporting spectacle for the city. “

he University is hosting an athletes’ village over the weekend at nearby Pollock Halls. Chris Jones, Head of Performance Swimming at the University stated:

“Swimming is all about racing. The EISM gives athletes the perfect opportunity to check their progress against world-class competition as we lead into the all-important selection period for this summer’s Olympic Games in Rio.”

The City of Edinburgh Council is also offering support to encourage wider participation in sport and showcase the city to an international audience.

Speedo is proud to be sponsoring this international event in 2016. It will be providing prizes and kit for successful athletes and event merchandise will be available to buy on site for the duration of the event. Helen Yarnall, UK marketing manager for Speedo said of the opportunity: “Speedo is delighted to support the 2016 Edinburgh International swim meet. A number of our sponsored athletes are attending and we look forward to playing an active part in supporting this event.”

Last year the meet attracted more than 1,000 athletes from 21 countries, including teams from Austria, Switzerland and Denmark and clubs from across the UK and Ireland. It was live streamed and viewed in 70 countries.  It will again have a strong developmental edge with age group competitions running alongside the open events.

Demand for spectator tickets is expected to be high. Family and friends of those competing will be able to order tickets in advance from 1 February onwards. The remaining tickets will go on sale from1 March onwards. Details of the procedure to order tickets can be found, after 1 February, at:http://www.sasaeastdistrict.org.uk/swimming/competitions/edinburgh-international 

Open events take place in the morning with age group competitors swimming in the afternoon. Finals for open and age group events take place each evening. The programme is as follows:

Friday evening: Women 200m IM, Men 400m Freestyle, Women 50m Freestyle, Men 50m Breaststroke, Women 200m Backstroke, Men 200m Backstroke, Women 800m Freestyle, Men 100m Freestyle, Women 100m Breaststroke, Men 400m IM, Women 100m Butterfly, Mixed 4x 50m Medley relay.

Saturday evening:  Men 1500m Freestyle, Women 50m Butterfly, Men 50m Freestyle, Women 400m Freestyle, Men 100m Breaststroke, Women 50m Backstroke, Men 50m Backstroke, Women 200m Butterfly, Men 200m IM, Women 100m Freestyle, Men 100m Butterfly, Women 200m Breaststroke, Mixed 4 x 50m Freestyle relay.

Sunday evening: Men 200m Breaststroke, Women 400m IM, Men 50m Butterfly, Women 50m Breaststroke, Men 100m Backstroke, Women 100m Backstroke, Men 200m Butterfly, Women 200m Freestyle, Men 200m Freestyle.