Can GB dominate the short-course stage?

The World Short-Course Championships in Budapest, scheduled from December 10th to 15th, will feature a powerful Aquatics GB team led by the legendary Ben Proud. With 11 elite athletes—six men and five women—the team boasts a mix of Olympic medalists, world champions, and rising stars. This marks the first major competition under new head coach Steven Tigg, who took the helm in October.

Ben Proud: Leading the Charge

Ben Proud, a giant in competitive swimming, heads to Budapest with high expectations. His silver medal in the 50-meter freestyle at Paris 2024, falling short by only 0.05 seconds, cements his reputation as a world-class athlete. Over the past two short-course world championships, Proud claimed gold in Abu Dhabi (2021) and silver in Melbourne (2022), narrowly missing first place to Jordan Crooks.

Proud’s record-breaking performance at the European Short-Course Championships—20.18 seconds in the 50-meter freestyle—ranks as the second-fastest time in history, just 0.02 seconds behind Caeleb Dressel’s world record. For Proud, Budapest is not just a competition but the culmination of a stellar 2024, which also saw him earn a bronze medalat the World Championships in Doha.

Inspirational Comeback: Archie Goodburn

Among the most inspiring stories is Archie Goodburn, whose resilience is nothing short of extraordinary. Diagnosed with three inoperable brain tumors in June, the 23-year-old triumphed days later in the 50-meter breaststroke at the Scottish National Open Championships. Goodburn will reunite with Oli Morgan and Jacob Peters, his teammates in last year’s European silver-medal-winning 4×50 medley relay.

A Diverse and Talented Women’s Lineup

The women’s roster features a blend of seasoned champions and young prodigies:

• Amelie Blocksidge, 15, a rising star with multiple European junior titles, makes her senior debut.
• Eva Okaro, the first black woman to represent GB in Olympic swimming, brings her standout performance from Paris, including a 53.75 split in the 4×100 freestyle relay.
• Freya Anderson, Tokyo gold medalist, and Abbie Wood, Doha silver medalist, add veteran experience.
• Angharad Evans, who impressed with a sixth-place finish in the 100-meter breaststroke in Paris, rounds out the group.

The Road to LA 2028 Begins

Coach Steven Tigg expressed excitement about this team’s composition, highlighting the importance of early-season competition as part of the journey toward the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

“This team represents a balance of seasoned veterans and promising talent, offering an invaluable opportunity to test technical skills in a high-pressure setting,” Tigg explained.

Of Goodburn, Tigg remarked: “His inclusion in the Budapest team is an inspiration. His remarkable resilience over the last six months will be on full display.”

A Strong Start to a New Era

The World Short-Course Championships in Budapest will set the stage for what promises to be an exciting Olympic cycle for Aquatics GB. With experienced athletes like Proud and newcomers like Blocksidge, the team is poised to make a significant impact on the world stage.