Lima, the capital city of Peru is set to host the World Aquatics Artistic Swimming Junior Championships from 28 August to 1 September 2024. This biennial competition anticipates attracting more than 250 of the world’s top artistic swimmers aged 15 to 19 for girls and 15 to 20 for boys. They will compete for victory across 12 sets of medals at the event’s 18th edition.
The renowned Videna Aquatic Centre, recognised for its successful hosting of major events such as the World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships and the World Aquatics World League Water Polo Intercontinental tournaments in 2022, will provide the stage for this prestigious event. The purpose-built aquatics facility made its debut during the Pan American Games held in Lima in 2019.
Adding to their repertoire, Peruvian organisers bring valuable experience from their previous hosting of the World Junior Swimming Championships in 2011 at the Compo de Marte pool.
Jusuf Nikola Astavdich Velez, President of the Peruvian Aquatics Sports Federation, expressed delight in Lima’s continued tradition of hosting premier international age-group events.
"As the National Sport President of Artistic Swimming in Peru, I am absolutely thrilled and honoured that Lima has been chosen to host the prestigious World Aquatics Artistic Swimming Junior Championships in 2024. This event will showcase our commitment to fostering young talent in aquatic sports and highlight Peru's capability to organise and deliver a world-class competition that will inspire and leave a lasting impact on our athletes, fans, and the global aquatic community.
The Artistic Swimming Junior Championships have been a springboard for future international success on the senior stage. At the the 2022 junior world championships in Quebec City, Canada, the host nation’s Audrey Lamothe, Japan’s Moe Higa, Kazakhstan’s Eduard Kim and the American Kenneth Gaudet were among the top performers who gained experience on the international stage that they carried with them into the World Aquatics Championships – Fukuoka 2023.
World Aquatics Artistic Swimming Technical Committee Chair Lisa Schott noted the importance having experience in world junior championship events can have on the performance trajectory for emerging artistic swimmers.
“I firmly believe that participation in the World Aquatics Artistic Swimming Junior Championships serves as an invaluable pathway for athletes on their journey toward international success at the highest levels, including the World Aquatics Championships and the Olympics,” said Schott. “This championship not only cultivates talent but also nurtures the passion and dedication essential for athletes to excel on the global stage. It's a pivotal platform where emerging talents hone their skills, gain invaluable experience, and lay the foundation for a promising future in artistic swimming."