Whether it is the streamline of the backstroke, the explosion of the butterfly, the sheer power of freestyle swimming, the elegance of the breaststroke or the musical symphony of the four in the Individual Medley, all will be on display throughout this weekend when The Bermuda National Swimming Championships get under way this evening.

Champions will be crowned at 12 and Under and Over 13 age groups but there is much more at stake for many swimmers as this championship provides the last chance to qualify for CCCAN, Commonwealth Games and The World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, all set for the coming weeks.

National and Sharks head coach Ben Smith along with Harbour Club’s Jenny Smatt will be on deck to witness their talent strive to complete the qualification dream after a long season.

“This is a big opportunity for competitors to swim fast and we will be looking for our very successful CARIFTA team members to continue to perform at the highest level,” Smith said.

The Bermuda team that leaves for CCCAN in Barbados should include a number of new faces after the weekend meet is complete.

"The fact that CCCAN is later in the year, athletes have had more time to prepare and get used to swimming Long Course again, reflective of that we should see a larger team take to the pool in Barbados,“ Smith said.

When asked about Bermuda’s premier male swimmer Jesse Washington and his chances at qualifying for Worlds, Smith didn’t mince his words.

“Jesse has to swim his best this weekend, he has been preparing very hard. It is not as easy for him as he is working full time, so squeezing in those extra sessions is difficult,” said the coach.

“As for this particular competition, because we have 12 and Under age group and then 13 and Over, there will be some battles in the pool to see who can come out as champions,” Smith stated.

“Let’s not forget getting faster times for all athletes especially those on the international stage is paramount because those times will be used for entry into CCCAN in Barbados.”

Harbour Swim Club’s head coach Jenny Smatt stated her swimmers are very much looking forward to the National Championships for a couple of reasons.

The club has a number of swimmers in the age range of 11-15 that are close to qualifying times.

Another reason for the water at the National Stadium to be bubbling throughout the weekend is the return of many senior swimmers from university.

On show will be brother and sister duo Emma and Jack Harvey along with Caleb Ingham, who are all former Harbour Club representatives.

Meanwhile, from the Sharks Club, former swimmers Mandy Moore and Brian Desmond will be keen to show they are still at the summit of their sport.