USA Swimming will honor the top finishers of the 2020 18 & Under Winter Championships during a virtual award show Thursday, January 28 at 8:00 p.m. ET. 

The decentralized 2020 18 & Under Winter Championships were conceptualized as a replacement for the Speedo Winter Junior Championships during the COVID-19 pandemic to allow young athletes to return to competition, while utilizing facilities closer to home. As the top finishers of each event couldn’t receive their awards during a single ceremony, they’ll be recognized virtually during an online awards ceremony hosted by six-time Olympic medalist and USA Swimming’s Director of Team Services Brendan Hansen at usaswimming.org/watch. Award presenters include three-time Olympic gold medalist Ryan Murphy, two-time Olympic gold medalist Lilly King, as well as Olympic gold medalists Olivia Smoliga and Blake Pieroni. 

“The success of the 18 & Under Championship does not happen without the collaborative approach at the local level by our LSCs, clubs and coaches,” said Joel Shinofield, Managing Director of Sport Development for USA Swimming. “We know many athletes did not have a chance to compete in 2020 and helping them safely return to the water is our highest priority. This competition was a great example of the swimming community as a whole doing what it takes to create opportunity for young athletes. Congrats to everyone involved!” 

Results from the USA Swimming 18 & Under Winter Championships were compiled from events held across the country in Short Course Yard pools December 1 – 13, 2020 that were submitted to the Local Swimming Committee (LSC) or USA Swimming’s National Leaderboard program. Awards were mailed to the top-eight individual finishers in each event. 

Award lists will be posted on usaswimming.org following the virtual awards show. View results from the December National Leaderboard here: https://www.usaswimming.org/december-national-leaderboard.