What is Country of Representation?
In aquatics, as in most sports, every athlete has a country of representation, the nation they officially compete for at events. For most athletes, this is the country of their nationality. However, some athletes may be eligible to represent a different country, based on factors such as their place of birth, the nationality of their parents or grandparents, or the country where they have lived and trained for a significant period. For example, a swimmer born in England with a Welsh parent may be eligible to represent Wales.
Changing an athlete’s country of representation is a formal process, carefully managed to ensure fairness and compliance with the eligibility rules set by Swim Wales, AquaticsGB, and relevant international governing bodies.
As athletes progress to higher performance levels, their country of representation becomes increasingly important, as it determines the teams they can compete for and the opportunities available to them.
Why Join Now?
Start Representing Wales
Gives you the chance to proudly represent Wales and make your aquatic mark in the pool.
Event Ready & Selection
Ensures you’re eligible for Swim Wales closed event and selection on Swim Wales National Squads.
Welsh Aquatics Community
Connects you to the wider Swim Wales aquatics community, keeping you updated and supported.
Are you eligible to Represent Wales?
You are eligible to represent Wales if you meet one of the following criteria:
Your place of birth was within Wales
Aged 16 or under & lived in Wales 12+ months continuously
Your Parent or Grandparent was born in Wales
Aged 17 or older & lived in Wales 36+ months continuously
Membership Benefits
Opportunity to qualify for and compete in Swim Wales closed events
Hold Wales as your Country of Representation
Dedicated Swim Wales event communications
Eligibility to qualify for selection to the National Squad Programme
Achieve and claim official Welsh swimming records
Enjoy special discounts with retail partners
ALL THIS AND MORE FOR £39 A YEAR
How Do I Join?
1 | Create a Swim Wales account on JustGo
2 | Select Welsh Representation
3 | Select how you are eligible
4 | Upload eligibility evidence
5 | Enter your membership number
6 | Complete your membership payment
Let us Handle the Rest
Membership Alignment: Your Swim Wales membership number will be matched to your original Home Nation ID.
Record Updates: Swim Wales will liaise with the relevant Home Nation to update your Country of International Representation to Wales.
Rankings: We’ll make sure your profile remains accurate, with one unified record for rankings and results.
If you change your country of representation to Wales, you will not be eligible to claim Welsh Records for performances or times achieved prior to the date of this change.
