The countdown to the European Aquatics Championships Paris 2026 is gathering pace as organizers confirmed strong ticket sales and introduced the event’s official mascot during a press conference held near the Eiffel Tower. With just 15 days remaining before competition begins, athletes and officials shared their excitement for one of Europe’s biggest aquatic sporting events.
Organizers announced that more than 51,000 tickets have already been sold during the third phase of ticket sales, reflecting strong public interest ahead of the championships. The event will take place from July 31 to August 16 at the Olympic Aquatics Centre, which previously hosted competitions during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The French Swimming Federation also introduced the official mascot, ELO, a character designed in the shape of a water drop. Officials explained that the name combines the French word for water, “l’eau,” with the English greeting “hello,” creating a symbol that represents both water and a warm welcome to athletes and fans.
Championship Director Adrien Chandou said the mascot reflects the spirit of the event while celebrating the importance of water sports. Organizers hope ELO will become a recognizable symbol throughout the championships and help connect with younger audiences.
Several leading French athletes attended the press conference, including three-time world champion Maxime Grousset, Olympic finalist Beryl Gastaldello, double world high diving champion Gary Hunt, and double Paralympic champion David Smetanine.
Grousset expressed his excitement about competing in front of home supporters. He said France has developed a growing passion for aquatic sports and believes the European Championships will continue the enthusiasm created during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The swimmer also provided an update on his recovery after breaking a bone in his left foot during training, an injury that caused him to miss last month’s national championships. While he said his foot has improved, he explained that he has not been able to fully prepare for race starts and underwater kicking. Despite the setback, he remains determined to compete at his best during the championships.
Gastaldello said she is looking forward to racing in front of French fans once again. She described the Olympic Aquatics Centre as an outstanding venue with modern facilities, spacious competition areas, and excellent conditions for athletes.
She also outlined her goals for the championships, saying she hopes to win relay and individual medals while setting personal best performances and national records. Competing at home, she added, gives athletes the opportunity to perform in front of family and friends, making the experience even more special.
The championships will welcome 1,268 athletes supported by 615 volunteers, making it one of the largest aquatic events held in Europe. Organizers expect thousands of spectators to attend competitions across swimming, diving, artistic swimming, open water events, and high diving.
One of the major highlights of Paris 2026 will be the inclusion of para-swimming within the main championship program. David Smetanine welcomed the initiative, describing it as an important step toward greater inclusion in international aquatic sports.
He said two days of para-swimming competition will be integrated into the main event schedule, giving para-athletes the opportunity to compete alongside Europe’s leading aquatic athletes. Smetanine praised the accessibility of the Olympic Aquatics Centre and said the venue offers excellent conditions for all competitors.
Gary Hunt also shared his enthusiasm about returning to compete in Paris. He highlighted the opportunity to showcase high diving, a discipline that is not part of the Olympic Games. Hunt explained that competitors will dive from a height of 20 meters into the River Seine, creating a unique challenge different from the traditional 27-meter high diving competitions.
French Swimming Federation Director General Laurent Ciubini said hosting another major international event so soon after the Olympics is important for maintaining public enthusiasm for aquatic sports. He believes the championships will help continue the strong connection between French fans and elite swimming.
Ciubini also highlighted the event’s long-term community impact. During the championships, 560 children will receive swimming lessons at the venue. In addition, the Olympic Aquatics Centre will provide 800 year-round places for swimming education. Plans also include building a new public swimming pool in Clichy to expand access to swimming programs in the future.
With strong ticket demand, world-class athletes, a new mascot, and a focus on community legacy, the Paris 2026 Championships are shaping up to be one of the biggest sporting events in Europe this year. Organizers hope the competition will build on the success of Paris 2024 while inspiring a new generation of swimmers and aquatic sports fans.
