CHONGQING (CQNEWS) – The National Youth Swimming U Series Competition began in Bishan District, Chongqing on August 17, marking the first stop of this year’s series. The event brought together 800 young swimmers from 78 teams across China.

This is the second consecutive year that Chongqing has hosted the event, which spans two days. Following this stop, the U series competition will move on to six other cities: Taiyuan (Shanxi), Shenzhen (Guangdong), Jiangmen (Guangdong), Ma'anshan (Anhui), Ningbo (Zhejiang), and Quanzhou (Fujian). The top three finishers in each city will advance to the national finals.

The results from this competition may contribute to the evaluation of swimmers' technical grade standards, offering a valuable opportunity for these young athletes, said Zhang Cheng, Vice President of the Chongqing Swimming Association, adding that this year’s event saw participation from over 50 athletes from Chongqing.

The athletes competed in five age groups: 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-16, and 17-18, across 16 individual events, including the 50m, 100m, and 200m freestyle, backstroke, butterfly, and breaststroke.

The competition atmosphere was tense and exhilarating, with young swimmers from all over the country showcasing their speed and skills. The event drew a large crowd, with spectators enthusiastically cheering and applauding the athletes’ performances. Applause and cheers filled the stands, creating a vibrant and supportive environment.

Officials from the Bishan District Sports Bureau remarked that this competition not only provides a platform for young swimming enthusiasts nationwide to showcase their talents, exchange skills, and pursue their dreams but also ignites greater enthusiasm for sports among the youth. This event is expected to further promote the development of youth sports in Bishan, across Chongqing, and throughout the country. (Translated by Yuki, Fathom Language Limited)