Spain will send swimmers to a Summer Universiade for the first time since 2013 ©Getty Images

The Royal Spanish Swimming Federation (RFEN) will send swimmers to the 2019 Summer Universiade after a six-year absence from the event.

RFEN has included the Summer Universiade in the Italian city of Naples its 2019 calendar, signalling its intent to send swimmers to the biannual competition for the first time since 2013.

Seven swimmers were sent to the 2013 Summer Universiade in Kazan but did not win any medals.

They were more successful in 2011, winning six medals, with Melania Costa Schmid claiming gold in the 200 metres freestyle.

Duane Da Rocha Marce was one of the Spanish swimmers to win a medal at the 2011 Summer Universiade, the last time Spain finished on the podium in swimming at the competition ©Getty Images
Duane Da Rocha Marce was one of the Spanish swimmers to win a medal at the 2011 Summer Universiade, the last time Spain finished on the podium in swimming at the competition ©Getty Images

A maximum of twelve swimmers, six men and six women, will be selected for Naples 2019.

They will be picked from those who meet the minimum time standards at the 2019 Spring Open Championships in the Spanish city of Sabadell in April.

Athletes participating at the 2019 World Championships are not eligible. 

The 2019 Summer Universiade is scheduled to be hosted in Naples from July 3 to 14.