FINA is considering to set a temperature limit on the open water swimming – Swimming News
The international aquatics sport governing body, Federation Internationale de Natation (FINA) is considering to set a temperature limit on the open water swimming.
The decision aroused from the recent incidents of the death of an elite American open water swimmer, Fran Crippen and the intolerable water conditions in open water events at the 2011 Shanghai World Championships.
Crippen, who is the bronze medallist of 10km open water swim at the 2009 Rome World Championships, died in a 10km World Cup swim last October. Crippen drowned during his 10km race due to high temperature while the race took place in United Arab Emirates (UAE). The water temperature was higher than 84.2 degrees on the race day in UAE, which led to Crippen’s death.
He won a silver medal in 10km swim at the 2006 Pan Pacific Championships while won a gold medal of the same event at the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio. Crippen was also the bronze medallist of 5km open water event at the 2010 World Open Water Championships in Roberval.
The second incident occurred at these World titles in Shanghai, where numerous swimmers were dragged out of the 25km race as the water temperature has exceeded 86 degrees. Alex Meyer, who was the friend of Crippen and defending champion of the 25km race, was also pulled out of the race in Shanghai.
After the event, Meyer said, "It's clear that they didn't learn a thing, that they don't care. The coaches and swimmers should never be in a position to make a call on safety”
Swimming USA has put the maximum bar of 85 degrees for any open water race whereas FINA has sanctioned the limit up to 87.8 degrees. Dennis Miller, FINA official, addressed the Associated Press by saying that FINA’s 87.8 degrees bar is a “guideline … not a rule.”
Nevertheless, the international body is now working on setting a temperature limit that could be more suitable for open water swimmers.
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