It Is What We do

We asked Jean-Paul Narce, the experienced long-time open water swimming of the French national team, about the postponement and rescheduling of the 5K, 10K and 25K races in Ostia at the 2009 World Swimming Championships due to the weather conditions.

Jean-Paul's calm demeanor and perspective are indicative of where the hearts and minds are of experienced coaches and swimmers despite these last-minute changes:

"It is not a problem [for us] because it is the same situation for everyone. As an open water swimmer, you accept the weather conditions. The rule is the same for everyone, but the Italians are doing a magnificent job."

"We had similar conditions at the French national championships when we held the 5K race on one day when the conditions were flat. During the night, however, there was a strong wind and we had to change the 25K course the next day. The waves were high and we had to do 20 laps of 1.25K inside. We could not go out in the ocean, but we could not delay the race. It is what we do."

Copyright © 2009 by World Open Water Swimming Association