Ben Proud Leads GB Aquatics Team for World Short-Course Championships in Budapest

Ben Proud to Lead Team at World Short-Course Championships

Ben Proud will lead the GB Aquatics team at the World Short-Course Championships in Budapest, from December 10-15 at the Duna Arena. The 11-member team, consisting of 6 men and 5 women, features a combination of Olympic medalists, world champions, and debutants, all eager to compete at one of the most prestigious events in international swimming.

Notable Athletes Set for Budapest Championship

Among the standout athletes on the team are Ben Proud, Archie Goodburn, Amelie Blocksidge, and Eva Okaro. The team is filled with both seasoned performers and promising newcomers, ready to make their mark. Steven Tigg, appointed head coach of GB Aquatics in October, will be leading the squad in Budapest for his first competitive outing as coach. Tigg’s remarkable performance in 2023, where he came close to breaking the world record of Caeleb Dressel with a time of 20.18 seconds at the European Short-Course Championships, signals a strong leadership presence for the team.

A Strong Finish for Ben Proud in 2024

The Budapest World Short-Course Championships will cap off an outstanding year for Ben Proud, who earned a bronze medal at the World Championships in Doha, finishing behind Vladyslav Bukhov and McEvoy. Proud’s achievements in 2024 have bolstered his reputation as one of the world’s top swimmers, and he will look to build on this momentum in Budapest.

Inspiring Story of Archie Goodburn

Archie Goodburn, who continues to compete despite a diagnosis of three inoperable brain tumors, will also represent Great Britain in Budapest. Goodburn’s determination and resilience are an inspiration to the team and the swimming world. He recently won the 50m breaststroke title at the Scottish National Open Championships and was part of the silver-winning men’s 4×50 medley relay team at the European Short-Course Championships in Romania.

Young Talents Shine on the Team

Other key athletes include Max Litchfield, who finished fourth in the 400IM at the Paris Olympics, and Josh Gammon, both of whom bring significant experience to the squad. Amelie Blocksidge, a talented 15-year-old swimmer, will make her senior debut at the championships after earning multiple junior European titles. Blocksidge has excelled in events like the 1500m freestyle and 800m freestyle, and her inclusion marks a bright future for GB Aquatics.

Additionally, Eva Okaro, the first black woman to represent Great Britain in Olympic swimming, continues to break barriers. Okaro is a powerful presence in the team and is a source of inspiration for swimmers of all backgrounds.

Exciting Prospects for GB Aquatics

The 2024 World Short-Course Championships in Budapest will be a thrilling event for GB Aquatics, with athletes pushing for top positions on the international stage. With a talented, diverse team led by Ben Proud, the championships are set to be a milestone for British swimming. This event offers a platform for both established champions and emerging swimmers to showcase their talents and continue the legacy of excellence in GB Aquatics.