Does any one compete in open water swimming?

Question

If so could you awnser these 2 questions please?

1. How did open water swimming evolve into a international sport- FINA World Championships , Olympics 2008

2. In what areas of the world do the elite swimmers come from?

Any other info you wish to add would be great.

Answer 1

nay

Answer 2

For answers from some hardcore open water swimmers:

http://forums.usms.org/forumdisplay.php?...