Southern Illinois University (SIU) will have representation at the European Aquatics U23 Swimming Championships this June in Samorin, Slovakia. Athletes Juraj Barcot and Benedek Andor are set to compete from Thursday, June 26, through Saturday, June 28.
“We have many Salukis competing internationally all over the world this summer,” stated Geoff Hanson, head coach of the Salukis. “It’s very exciting for Benedek and Juraj to get the chance to compete and represent their home countries at the U23 European Championships this week. We’ll be cheering them on from Carbondale.”
Juraj Barcot, a sophomore from Dubrovnik, Croatia, will swim in the 200- and 400-IM as well as the 200-breaststroke. In his first season with SIU, Barcot earned First-Team All-Missouri Valley Conference honors and was runner-up in the 400-IM at the MVC Championships. Last year he participated in the European Aquatics Championships with an eighth-place finish in the 400-IM.
Benedek Andor will compete in the 50-freestyle, 100-freestyle, and 100-butterfly events. A junior from Gyor, Hungary, Andor previously represented his country at the European U23 Championships in 2023. This past SIU season saw him earn a place on the All-MVC First Team with podium finishes in both the 100-butterfly and 200-IM at MVC Championships.
Andor’s competition begins on Thursday with the 100-butterfly. On Friday, both athletes will compete: Barcot in the 200-breaststroke and 400-IM while Andor participates in the 50-freestyle. The championship concludes on Saturday with Barcot swimming in the 200-IM and Andor competing in the 100-freestyle. Preliminary heats start at 2:30 a.m. CST followed by finals at 11 a.m. CST.
For more information about these championships visit https://europeanaquatics.org/u23-swimming-samorin-2025/.
Fans can follow updates on SIU’s swim team via social media platforms including X (@SIU_SwimDive), Instagram (@siu_swimdive), Facebook (facebook.com/SIUSwimDive), or through their mobile app available on both App Store and Google Play Store.
