OTTAWA One of the largest competitions in Swimming Canada's history is about to unfold in Ile-Ste-HÈlne at Parc Jean-Drapeau, as Montreal hosts the 2007 Age Group Nationals July 19-23.

More than 1,200 competitors are expected to battle for national titles in the 12-and-under, 13, 14, 15, and 16-18 age groups for girls, and the 13-and-under, 14, 15, 16 and 17-18 age groups for boys.

The racing takes place at the same pool where the 2005 World Aquatic Championships where held. At those worlds, Canadian swimmers sparkled with a five-medal performance while nine world records were set by a stellar international field.

'The swimmers competing here remember those worlds vividly so they should be truly inspired and ready to swim fast,' said Swimming Canada's CEO and head coach Pierre Lafontaine.

'This competition will be the biggest outdoor swim meet Canada has ever seen. The Parc Jean-Drapeau setting will be very exciting for these young aspiring Olympians.'

Some of the names to watch for include Evan Buck of Guelph, Ont., a triple medallist at the Olympic Youth Festival in Australia earlier this year, Willem Hergesheimer of Langley, B.C., and Curtis Lutsch of Calgary.

Quebec is expected to have a strong presence with Marie-Pier Couillard of Levis, Que., a Commonwealth Games team member last year, and Pan Pacific junior championship finalists Samantha Cheverton of Pointe-Claire, Que., and Gabrielle Soucisse of Beaconsfield, Que.

Other members from that Pan Pac junior team include Martha McCabe and Patrick Cuch, both of Toronto, and Rachelle Salli of Langley, B.C.

Whitehorse Glacier Bears Alexandra Gabor, Bronwyn Pasloski, Tanner Cassidy and Brendan Zrum will also be at the championships. Last year, Gabor and Pasloski represented the local swim club while Zrum qualified but was unable to attend.

Gabor was the highest female point scorer for all female swimmers, finishing the meet with five gold medals and two silver. Pasloski also did very well last year, winning a bronze medal and achieving a senior national qualifying time.

Preliminaries at the 2007 Age Group Nationals are at 9 a.m. and finals at 5:30 p.m., July 19, 20, 21 and 22.

On July 23, a five-kilometre open water race at the Olympic rowing basin is scheduled to go at 9:30 a.m.