Head Ref and Water for Women's Olympic 10K Marathon Swim

Dennis Miller of Fiji and one of the most experienced FINA officials, will handle the all-important head referee's position during the women's Olympic 10K Marathon Swim in a few days. Dennis reported the water conditions at the Shunyi Olympic Rowing-Canoeing Park to be an almost dangerously warm at 31ºC (87.8ºF).

Yesterday in Beijing, Dr. Dave Gerrard from the FINA Sports Medicine Committee addressed possible hyperthemermia issues with the race officials. During the athletes' briefing on Tuesday, Dr. Gerrard will address this potential issue again.

Dr. Gerrard was an Olympic swimmer in 1964 for New Zealand, an Olympic team doctor in 1984, the Olympic Director of Medical Services in 1988 and 1992, the Olympic New Zealand Chef de Mission in 1996, a member of the FINA Medical Commission in 2000 and the FINA Medical Commissioner in 2004 and 2008.

Upper photo shows end of the 10K women's qualification swim in Seville by Javier Blazquez where the water and air temperatures were not nearly as high as Beijing is. Lower photo shows Dr Dave Gerrard taken by Craig Baxter.