July 10, 2022

The 2022 LEN European Junior Championships concluded this morning for Team Ireland with two swimmers in action in Bucharest, Romania.

Grace Hodgins was the first swimmer on the blocks for Ireland, competing in the 400m Freestyle Heat. The Trojan SC swimmer brought her second European Juniors to a close with a strong showing, recording a time of 4:25.42 to finish third in her heat and 19^th for the morning heats.

Liam Custer, who made his international debut for Ireland this week, was also competing in the 400m Freestyle. Custer clocked a time of 4:03.92, finishing 5^th in his Heat and 31^st overall.

Speaking following his 400m Freestyle Heat, Cluster said: “It felt pretty good, the time wasn’t quite where I wanted it to be but it’s good motivation for the future and training. I think I split the race well and I executed my strategy correctly, I had a great time behind the blocks and racing so many people. The week was super fun, I had a great time getting to meet a lot of members of the Swim Ireland team and people all around Europe. Every time I got behind the blocks it was super fun in this huge awesome arena with thousands of people watching you. It was a great overall experience; I know my performances need to get better but I’m happy with where they are now and I look forward to the future.”

While the European Juniors may have come to an end, many of the team will look ahead to further competitions this summer, both nationally and internationally.

Team:

Evan Bailey New Ross SC

Thomas Leggett Larne SC

Grace Davison Ards SC

Ellie McCartney Ards SC/National Centre Bangor

Liam Custer Sundays Well SC/Sarasota Sharks

Grace Hodgins Trojan SC

Molly Mayne Templeogue SC/Hamilton Aquatics (Dubai)

Day 6 Results:

400m Freestyle Grace Hodgins, 4:25.42

400m Freestyle Liam Custer, 4:03.92