The continental swimming elite concluded the year at an impressive level at the 13th European Short Course Swimming Championships held in Istanbul (TUR) from December 10-13, 2009. Ten World records (pending FINA approval) were established during the competition.
The Netherlands were the top nation by medals with ten gold, three silver and one bronze, followed by Russia (8-5-8), France (6-2-3), Germany (5-3-4), Hungary (3-4-1) and Croatia (2-3-0). No nation had achieved more than ten titles at European Short Course Championships since Sweden in Valencia 2000. The Championships Trophy, however, went to Russia for the best team by points (909), far ahead of Germany (671), Italy (600), France (586), the Netherlands (520) and Sweden (476).
Swimmers from 22 nations shared the medals in Istanbul. 41 participating LEN Member Federations were present, meaning a new participation record.
Istanbul will host in 2012, the 11th edition of the FINA World Swimming Championships (25m).