FINA drops UAE from 2011 Marathon World Cup Venue - Swimming
The international swimming governing body, Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA), removed the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from the list of possible venues for the 10km Marathon Swimming World Cup. The decision emerged after the final reports of the death of the six times US national champion, Fran Crippen.
26-year-old Crippen died last year at the Marathon in Fujairah, UAE, and the UAE is considered responsible for the death of the US athlete. The UAE's sports organising committee is held responsible for the death of Crippen after two independent inquiries conducted by USA Swimming and FINA.
In December 2010, FINA announced UAE as one of the seven stops for the FINA 10km Marathon series. This decision faced concerns from numerous renowned athletes and after the final reports of an independent inquiry, FINA considered it a moral obligation to drop UAE off the list.
The World Cup started on April 19, 2011 in Brazil with the participation of 92 swimmers from 21 different countries. In addition, two locations in Canada will also be used as a substitute for UAE.
Former US open water swimmer and National Coach to UAE, Jay Benner, considered FINA’s decision as a vital loss for swimming in UAE.
"It gives an opportunity to expose it to the Emirati swimmers. That's the benefit of holding these events, to try and create awareness in the UAE of the sport and what it has to offer youth," Benner said.
FINA’s report held UAE liable for not fulfilling dozens of rules and regulation, which were mandatory by the international sports body. These allegations include absence of medical officer on site, no disaster insurance and illegal change of venue on last minute.
UAE Swimming Board will respond to FINA’s report today. The clarification was delayed because UAE swimming elites were busy preparing for the marathon stop, which included more than 750 participants.
The executive director to UAE Swimming, Ayman Saad, expressed to the media that it is impossible for him to say anything at the moment, as the matter is not discussed with FINA and they cannot declare anything until the matter is solved.
In addition, captain of the UAE Swimming Team, Obaid al Jesmi, claims to have lost trust with FINA because of the decisoin.
Jesmi stressed that the decision will have a severe affect on the UAE. He also said, "However, we have heard and seen the success story of the 2011 Dubai World Championship. We are regaining the trust of the swimming world and I am sure our leaders are capable of pushing the bar toward sports safety."
Now, UAE Swimming has been expected to ponder upon recommendations by FINA, so that they are able to regain the trust of FINA and swimmers alike.
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