Spring and Summer 2013 Championships Awarded

U.S. Masters Swimming, the national governing body for adult competitive and fitness swimming, has awarded both its 2013 Spring and Summer National Championship events. The selection process is extensive, explains Committee Chair Jeff Roddin.

"The Championship Committee is pleased to bring Spring Nationals back to the midwest for the first time since 2004 and Summer Nationals to the west coast since 2008. It was an exciting selection process since we had four outstanding bidders to work with this year. We had three former hosts with proven credentials plus a new bidder from an exciting destination. We are looking forward to working with Indianapolis and Mission Viejo on the 2013 USMS National Championship events."

2013 Spring Nationals Headed to Indianapolis

Spring Nationals, contested in short course yards, will be held in the famed IUPUI pool at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, known as one of the fastest pools in the world.

The Indy Aquatic Masters will host the event, in cooperation with Greater Indiana Masters Swimming, the City of Indianapolis, and Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. The four-day competition will take place in the newly renovated IU Natatorium May 9-12, 2013. More than 2,000 swimmers are expected to participate in this Championship meet.

“The Indy Aquatic Masters program is extremely excited about hosting the 2013 U.S. Masters Swimming Spring National Championship in Indianapolis,” states Board President George Quigley. “Indy Aquatic Masters has the experience, the volunteers, and the support of the community to host a quality event.”

President and CEO of the Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Association, Leonard Hoops, adds, “The IU Natatorium, located downtown as part of Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, has proven to be an exceptional venue for this important competition and is ideally located close to our downtown and its many hotels, restaurants, and attractions. And we will provide a passionate and experienced group of volunteers to ensure the event’s success.”

The IU Natatorium has a long history of hosting swimming championships, including the 1989 FINA/MSI Pan Pacific Championships, the 1992 FINA World Championships, and five USMS championship events since 1983.

“Individuals and athletic organizations across the country and globe have come to appreciate the advantages this city offers to visitors,” says Secretary of Commerce Mitchell Roob. “Month after month of every year, Indianapolis demonstrates its unparalleled ability to host athletic events ranging in size from high school basketball state championships to the Indianapolis 500 to the 2012 Super Bowl.”

2013 Summer Nationals to be in Mission Viejo

Summer Nationals, contested in long course meters, will be held in Mission Viejo, home of the Mission Viejo Nadadores, a swim team with a rich swimming history that has produced numerous Olympic swimmers. The Nadadores, which has hosted three previous U.S. Masters Swimming Championships, in 1977, 1979 and 2005, will host the event. The meet will take place Aug. 7-11, 2013.

“Mission Viejo Nadadores looks forward to the opportunity of bringing this outstanding competition back to Mission Viejo,” says Rick Brotherton, Mission Viejo Nadadores Foundation president.

“Landing this prestigious event will be memorable experience for all who attend we are all very excited,” says Mark Moore, the meet organization director, adding, “The extensive parent and athlete support team looks forward to the opportunity of bringing this outstanding competition back to Southern California.”

Mission Viejo Mayor, Dave Leckness adds, “The Nadadores Swimming Program is one of the Crown Jewels of Mission Viejo. Every summer Olympics since 1976 has seen a Mission Viejo Nadadore athlete. On behalf of the City Council I want express how proud the city is to be hosting the 2013 U.S. Masters Swimming Summer National Championship. I want give a big WhooHoo! to all the athletes.”

The competition will be held in the Marguerite Aquatic Center, which has undergone extensive renovation. Mission Viejo is accessible by five local airports between 16-75 miles away and has 14 hotels in a 13-mile radius that can house well over 2,500 visitors.

Mission Viejo is centrally located to San Diego and Los Angeles with less than an hour’s drive. Anaheim is 20 minutes away with Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm and the Anaheim Angels baseball team. Local beaches are five to 15 minutes away include San Clemente, Dana Point Harbor, Laguna Beach and Newport Beach.

More coverage for both the 2013 Spring and Summer National Championships will be made available at usms.org.