LEN European Short Course Championships 2013: The tides were high in Denmark at day 1
The Championships had a great start on this first day of competition. Two relay World Records, one European record and a couple of Championship Records were the highlights of the evening.
In a Danish perspective it was a crazy finish of the first finals in Herning. The very last race of the evening was the women’s 4x50 m freestyle relay. The race had a very close end, and the last Danish swimmer, Mie Oe. Nielsen, had to wait with the rest of her Danish team formed by Pernille Blume, Jeanette Ottesen and Kelly Riber Rasmussen and herself for the result on a, for a moment, blank scoreboard. It was however the Danish quartet that took the gold in 1.37.04, which additionally was registered as a new World Record.
The evening had a spectacular start with the opening ceremony and the presence of Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, who also participated in two of the medal ceremonies. The audience was in good form and cheered for the swimmers. The other World Record of the evening was set by the men’s Russian relay team on 4x50m medley relay in 1.32.38.
In addition to the two world records in the relays there were also quite a surprising European record at tonight's finals. Spanish Mereia Belmonte Garcia in 200m butterfly set a new European record in 2:01:52 and won gold.
Jakob Staun, project manager for the European Short Course Swimming Championships says: "We had a flying start with Danish gold and a new world record. Also the opening ceremony and Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Mary's visit helped to make this first day of the event memorable."
"With The Danish gold and new world record we have had a golden start at home ground. I also noted that LEN, the European Swimming Federation in the opening speech stated that they expected these championships to set new standards for the future, "says Lars Lundov, CEO, Sport Event Denmark.
"The city has a long-standing tradition as a venue for trade fairs, exhibitions and meetings. The experience we’ve gained from these activities has been further developed in recent years, so we’re now also known as an attractive partner and host city for international concerts and sports events.
The Danish gold and world record on the first day and a party at the spectator seats make good promises for the next three days," says Lars Krarup, mayor, City of Herning.
Editor’s note
2013 LEN European Short Course Swimming Championships will be staged from 12th-15th of December 2013.
559 swimmers from 41 nations will participate. The Danish Team consists of 29 swimmers – the largest team ever for a senior championship.
The championships are organized by The Danish Swimming Federation. Sport Event Denmark and The City of Herning partner the event.
For more on the event:
www.herning2013.com
For tickets: www.billetnet.dk
For photos:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/111305912@N04/sets/72157638613680036/
Credit: Danish Swimming Federation