News Detail
« Back to News
January 31, 2025 - National Diversity Select Camp Applications Now Available
National Diversity Select Camp
USA Swimming invites up to 56 athletes from diverse populations to participate in a three-day camp program which includes pool training, motivational and education sessions and team-building activities. Selection is based on times achieved at USA Swimming sanctioned events.
Goals of the camp:
To empower athletes from diverse backgrounds and diverse populations to:
- Demonstrate the viability of multicultural success in swimming
- Achieve performance excellence at every level of the sport
- Expound the benefits and value of participating in the sport of swimming
- Be positive leaders and role models that others from multicultural backgrounds can emulate.
Location:
Olympic and Paralympic Training Center. Colorado Springs, CO
Camp Schedule:
The National Diversity Select Camp will consist of four in-water workouts and a number of classroom sessions covering various topics. The goal is to provide ignition, motivation, and information for athletes to continue to set goals, work hard, excel in swimming, and feel empowered to take ownership of their swimming careers and roles within their community.
Cost:
Each athlete selected for the camp will be provided lodging, meals, ground transportation to/from the designated airport and full airfare.
Qualification Standard
Athletes must have achieved at least one National Diversity Select Camp time standard to apply for selection. These times are AAAA National Motivational Times for 13-14 year olds. Times must have been achieved in a USA Swimming sanctioned or approved meet (able to be proven in the SWIMS database).
Selection Criteria
- The camp will consist of up to 28 athletes from each competition category.
- Athletes must represent a diverse community and/or an ethnically diverse population that is less than 10% of the current USA Swimming membership. These populations can include African American/Black, Hispanic/Latinx, Asian or Pacific Islander, Native American and others. Other athletes may be accepted if they represent another diverse demographic.
- Up to 14 athletes from each competition category will be selected based on 2024 Long Course Meter IMX point scores.
- Then, the fastest applicant in each event will be invited for a total of 14 athletes from each competition category. Only Long Course Meter times will be accepted.
- Additionally, three athletes from each competition category may be selected based on outstanding performance in one or more events.
- Additionally, five athletes from each competition category may be selected based on Outreach membership status.
Camp Eligibility
Qualifying period:
- September 1, 2023 through August 31, 2024. Only Long Course Meter times will be considered.
- Eligible athletes will be 14-16 years of age. Age is as of the first day of camp.
NOTE: Athletes who wish to attend the National Diversity Select Camp shall be US Citizens and be able to represent the USA in international competitions in accordance with the rules set in place by World Aquatics. Athletes who are on or have been to any National Select Camps, National Teams/National Junior Teams or USA Swimming international trips, including the 2022, 2023, and/or 2024 National Junior team will not be eligible for the National Diversity Select Camp. Athletes who previously attended the National Diversity Select Camp are not eligible. Athletes cannot attend Zone Select Camp & National Diversity Select Camp in the same year. Athletes must be Premium USA Swimming members. Flex members must upgrade their membership to be eligible to attend.
Application Process:
The National Diversity Select Camps are application based. Applications can be found here and are due Sunday, February 9, 2025, 11:55 MT. Upon completion of this application, you will receive a no-reply email from Formsite to the Athlete's email address provided. Athletes will be notified directly via email if they have been accepted to the camp.
Disclaimer:
This event may be canceled by USA Swimming upon reasonable notice for any reason, including but not limited to a force majeure event. If deemed necessary, the event may be reassigned or rescheduled.
Questions?
For more information, please contact Kristin Alfano.
kalfano@usaswimming.org | 719-309-7198
