Courtesy: European Aquatics
European Aquatics is proud to announce the launch of its 2025 Athletes Committee – which refreshes the groundbreaking initiative designed to place athletes at the heart of decision making and governance. This new committee marks an evolution in how European aquatic sports are steered, ensuring that insights, experiences, and voices from every corner of the aquatic community directly influence policies and competitions.
The 2025 committee is composed of accomplished current and former athletes representing every aquatic discipline. Their diverse backgrounds ensure that every segment of the sport – from the pool to open water, from the diving board to the water polo arena – is fully represented. The committee members are:
- Chair: Liam Tancock (GBR, swimming)
- Vice-Chair: Emma Garcia (ESP, artistic swimming)
- Secretary: Oliver Dingley (IRL, diving and high diving)
- Members:
- Simona Rushton (CZE, swimming)
- Caroline Jouisse (FRA, open water)
- Kristof Rasovszky (HUN, open water)
- Simone van de Kraats (NED, water polo)
- Andrija Prlainovic (SRB, water polo)
- Renaud Barral (BEL, artistic swimming)
- Emina Pasukan (BIH, swimming)
This comprehensive representation ensures that the committee not only understands the technical and competitive nuances of each discipline but also embodies the spirit and passion inherent in aquatic sport.
The process of forming the committee was both robust and transparent. As Liam Tancock, the newly re-elected Chair, explains:
“After the last major restructuring of European Aquatics, we had a fresh opportunity to recalibrate our approach. The selection process was rigorous – each athlete was nominated by their national federation and ranked through a detailed point scoring system that evaluated background, achievements, and contributions to the sport. Once the top candidates were identified, the Bureau put forth the group to be ratified by the Congress. Although the official approval will be granted in September, we are already moving forward with our mandate.”
With full voting rights on both the Bureau and the Congress, the committee members now have a direct hand in shaping the policies, competitions, and strategic direction of European Aquatics.
As Tancock passionately states:
“We’ve really stepped into a new realm – being on the pool deck isn’t enough. We want to be at the beating heart of European Aquatics, engaging with athletes directly at major events and translating that first-hand experience into effective governance. It’s not just about our own opinions; it’s about reflecting the wishes of every athlete we represent.”
The committee will have representatives at all major junior and senior competitions to interact directly with athletes – offering them support and advice from a familiar face at what can often be one of the most challenging periods of their careers. Feedback from athletes will be collected via these on-site interactions, emails, and dedicated questionnaires. Athletes across Europe can reach out through [email protected].
Set to serve until 2028, the committee is structured to align with the broader technical committees of European Aquatics. This three-year cycle allows ample time for the committee to implement meaningful change, reinforce athlete representation, and continuously engage with the community. While the group is currently in its introductory phase – having conducted its first online meeting where new and returning members connected, plans to finalise detailed structural aspects at the upcoming meeting are in motion, highlighting a proactive approach to governance.
This initiative is a testament to European Aquatics’ commitment to modernizing the sport’s governance. Having first been established in 2022, and the committee now being brought under the technical banner, this three-year cycle is a prime opportunity for the athlete representatives to make their mark on the sport.
“Our group is made up of people who are passionate about aquatics, ready to move the sport forward.” said Tancock. “We’re not just here to represent; we’re here to innovate. This is an exciting time for all of us who love this sport.”
European Aquatics encourages every athlete to engage with the committee. Your opinions, feedback, and passion are invaluable in shaping an inclusive future for aquatic sports in Europe. To share your thoughts or seek further information, please connect via the dedicated email address [email protected].
