Courtesy: Xavi Torres
On February 1st, 2025, the Son Hugo Aquatic Center in Palma de Mallorca will host the VIII Trofeu Open de Natació Ciutat de Palma, bringing together over 300 swimmers from across Spain and international guest clubs. Organized by the Voltor Balear Swimming Club and Palma City Council, this event has firmly established itself as a key date on the national swimming calendar, attracting top athletes competing for both victory and national qualifying times.
The Son Hugo Aquatic Center, inaugurated in 1999, have hosted numerous high-level competitions thanks to their 50-meter indoor pool equipped with cutting-edge electronic timing technology. Strategically located in Palma, the venue is easily accessible via Palma International Airport (PMI), which offers direct flights from major cities worldwide. The city also provides a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, from luxury hotels to more affordable choices, all within easy reach of the venue and Palma’s historic center. Spanish Trials fow next Worlds in Singapour will be celebrated the second week of June in this venue
The competition will feature standout athletes such as Sergio de Celis, a Mallorcan Olympic swimmer who represented Spain at the 2024 Paris Games, where he set a national record in the 100-meter freestyle with a time of 48.34 seconds, securing his Olympic qualification. Also competing is Marc Sánchez, president of the Voltor Balear Swimming Club and a Rio 2016 Olympian, who has won multiple Spanish national titles, including his victory in the 200-meter individual medley in SC National December 2022 with a time of 1:56.33. Another key participant is Álex Castejón, a double bronze medalist in the 200-meter breaststroke at the Mediterranean Games in 2018 and 2022, with times of 2:13.91 and 2:12.60, respectively.
The event will welcome renowned national clubs such as Club Natació Sabadell, Real Canoe N.C., C.N. Terrassa, and C.N. Leganés, alongside leading Balearic teams including Club Natació Calvià, C.N. Llucmajor, Mastbal, C.N. Palma, C.N. La Salle Palma, and the host club, Voltor Balear Swimming Club. This combination of elite and emerging talents guarantees a high-caliber competition.
Beyond the thrill of competition, the event will also reward top performers, with the overall winner of the VIII Trofeu Open de Natació Ciutat de Palma receiving €1,000, the runner-up earning €500, and the third-place finisher taking home €250.
One of the highlights of the event will be the **SKINS races**, a knockout format in the 50-meter freestyle, where the fastest eight swimmers will compete in elimination rounds with just three minutes of rest between each. This high-intensity event will determine the last swimmer standing, with both the men’s and women’s winners receiving a €150 cash prize**.
With a packed schedule featuring individual and relay events, as well as the high-energy SKINS competition, the **VIII Trofeu Open de Natació Ciutat de Palma promises to be an unmissable celebration of swimming**. Mallorca, with its exceptional infrastructure and renowned hospitality, is ready to welcome athletes and fans from around the world for an unforgettable sporting experience.
