Deciding the Future of Elite Open Water Swimming

The FINA’s Technical Open Water Swimming Committee members are gathering in Kuwait this week to discuss and decide a variety of critical issues to better govern, judge, administer and promote the sport of open water swimming.

Their discussions and decisions will have a significant impact on FINA 10KM Marathon Swimming World Cup circuit, the FINA Open Water Swimming Grand Prix and the FINA World Swimming Championship events. The proposed rules changes were previously submitted by various national swimming federations and are now being considered by the Committee through careful deliberation and discussion.

The members include Chairman Sid Cassidy of the USA, Vice Chairman Ronnie Wong Man Chui of Hong Kong, Honorable Secretary Shelley Taylor-Smith of Australia, Valerijus Belovas of Lithuania, Flavio Bomio of Switzerland, Alan Clarkson of Great Britain, Jorge Delgado Panchana of Ecuador, Dr. Mohie Wahid Farid of Egypt, Paulo Frischknecht of Portugal, Tomas Haces German of Cuba, Dennis Miller of Fiji and Vladimir Srb of the Czech Republic. The FINA Bureau Liaison is Nory Kruchten of Luxembourg. The Coaches' Commission Liaison is Osvaldo Arsenio of Argentina and the Athletes' Commission Liaison Daniel Kowalski of Australia.

Photo taken by Giorgio Scalia of Valerio Cleri at the 2008 European Open Water Swimming Championships in Croatia.

Chloe's Corner - Under Picture Perfect Conditions

At the pre-race meeting in Beijing this morning, the Olympic 10K Marathon Swim athletes were told the water temperature is a near perfect 27ºC - 27.5ºC (80.6ºF - 81.5ºF). But the weeds in the Olympic rowing venue has grown a bit and come nearly to the surface of the water in some locations.

But, all in all, America's medal hopefuls Chloe Sutton and Mark Warkentin will have great conditions to compete in. There is forecasted to be a slight wind that will only cause minor surface chop and the humidity that dropped significantly. Coach Bill Rose of the Mission Viejo Nadadores and Chloe's personal coach said, "Everyone is feeling great and the conditions are good. At the pre-race meeting today, there was nothing new. The course is good and everyone is ready to go. Chloe's feeling great."

"The quality of the water is excellent. In fact, we were told it is actually drinkable. It was cool this morning after it rained in the evening. Tomorrow, we will leave the hotel at 6:30 am and head down to the venue for a warm-up between 7 and 8 am. At 8 am, Chloe will report to the Ready Room for numbering. The pre-race meeting will be held at 8:30 am and at 8:40 am, the swimmers will be introduced to the crowd for a 9 am start. The awards ceremony will be at 11:30 am."

"Paul Asmuth will be on pontoon #1, which is closest to the start, to feed Chloe. John [Dussliere of the Santa Barbara Swim Club will be on pontoon #2. With Paul and John on the pontoons, I will be on a bike going up and down alongside the course, " said Coach Rose.

"Because of the warm water conditions, we decided to allow each athlete to have two coaches on the course," explained Sid Cassidy, the FINA Technical Open Water Swimming Committee chairman.

"The time has come," explained Nory Krutchen, the FINA Bureau Vice President at the pre-race meeting to the athletes and coaches. "The eyes of the world are upon you and the sport of open water swimming."

Photo by Pei Qingsheng at the Olympic 10K Marathon Swim qualification race start.

Copyright © 2008 by World Open Water Swimming Association