The 2021 University Swimming Challenge began yesterday and will run until April 4. 

All U SPORTS eligible swimmers will have the opportunity to post times across 41 events. 

This includes the 38 in the U SPORTS championship programme, as well as the 100 metres individual medley, 200m freestyle, and the 4x50m individual medley relay.

All swims will be conducted in short-course format, with the best time per swimmer counting in the final rankings. 

The University Swimming Challenge will not be considered an official national event.

As a result, no qualifying times are required to participate, there is no limit on the number of participants per school, and no major award winners or records will be recognised.

U SPORTS and Swimming Canada will instead publish weekly online updates showcasing team standings, top-ranked swimmers in each event, and highlight individual top performances on its digital channels.

"This is a great opportunity for U SPORTS swimmers to once again step on the blocks in a competitive environment and virtually challenge swimmers from other institutions across the country," said Swimming Canada's associate high performance director Iain McDonald. 

Member programmes will be responsible for running their respective events safely within the identified window and setting up sessions in the format that best suits each team’s individual circumstances. 

COVID-19 safety guidelines must be adhered to. 

"We are excited to offer the University Swimming Challenge to provide some meaningful participatory competition for our student-athletes in a safe and virtual manner where possible, while adhering to various provincial and institutional regulations," said U SPORTS chief sport officer Lisette Johnson-Stapley. 

"We appreciate the collaboration of Swimming Canada and our swimming membership and community, for proposing a creative concept that will allow us to promote continued development of the sport."