Albanian Swimming Federation

Albanian Swimming Federation
LEN

Association crest
Founded 1950
FINA affiliation 1992
LEN affiliation 1992
Website fshn.org.al
President Agim Çiraku

Albanian Swimming Federation (Albanian: Federata Shqiptare e Notit (FSHN)) is the national governing body of aquatic sports in Albania, ranging from Swimming, diving, synchronized swimming and open water swimming, and water polo. The federation is tasked with the development, promotion and international representation of swimming in Albania. It is a member of the Albanian National Olympic Committee.[1] The Albanian swimming federation is a member of the European Swimming League (LEN) and the International Swimming Federation (FINA).[2] The Albanian Swimming Federation organizes aquatic sports competitions at national, European and international level in all categories for men and women; junior and adult age groups.[3] The Albanian Swimming Federation works closely with its collaborative associate, the Kosovo swimming federation.

History

Swimming in Albania has its roots in Durres, where races began centuries ago. The swimming federation was formed in the late 1950s. Albanians more prominent in the sport included Jani Hondro and Spiro Koco.

The first person to represent Albania in the Olympics was an American born Albanian, Frank Leskaj. Leskaj represented Albania in the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona.[4] It was not until the late 2000s where swimming began to flourish in Albania. It wasn't until 2004 that Albania would be represented again in the summer Olympics by Kreshnik Gjata. Four years later, a young swimmer at the age of 16 years represented Albania again in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. The swimmers name was Sidni Hoxha and he became a record holder for Albania that year. Till date, Hoxha, is Albania's most successful swimmer. Hoxha has participated in two Olympics, holding more than 50% of the national records, countless European and world championships, two time NCAA swimming competitor, and former Balkan Champion.[5] Hoxha is acclaimed and determined to represent Albania two more times in the Olympics, for a total of four times. Also, in 2008, Albania's first female swimmer was Rovena Marku. Marku, also broke the national record for 50m freestyle that year in Beijing.[6]

In 2012, Sidni Hoxha and Noel Borshi represented Albania in the summer Olympics in London.[7]

Member clubs

As of February 2010 there are more than a dozen member clubs.

Results

Albania has participated in three Mediterranean games, three LCM European Championships, four LCM world championships, and four summer Olympics.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "National Olympic Committee of Albania". Nocalbania.org.al. Retrieved 2015-03-06.
  2. ↑ "Albanian National Olympic Committee". Retrieved 2015-03-06.
  3. ↑ "Federata Shqiptare e Notit". FSHN. Retrieved 2015-03-06.
  4. ↑ "Frank Leskaj". Sports-reference.com. Retrieved 2015-03-06.
  5. ↑ "Sidni Hoxha". Sports-reference.com. Retrieved 2015-03-06.
  6. ↑ "ALB - Albania". Fina.org. Retrieved 2015-03-06.
  7. ↑ "Illyrian Swimming Association: Home". illyrianswim.org. Retrieved 2015-03-06.
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