Tuesday, September 28, 2021

NO POOLSHIT #6 LEN Bureau has fallen



This weekend, LEN congress was held in Budapest where European federations decided that they don’t support the work of LEN Bureau. An extraordinary congress will be held in Paris on February 5, where the new leadership will be elected.

Ten months ago, Paolo Barelli was re-elected for his third term as LEN president, with a clear victory (86-13 votes) over Giles Sezionale of the French federation. The tables have turned on Saturday.

Because these congresses are actually political stages with a lot of legal jargon and procedures, I’ll try to explain what happened on Saturday using simple words.

At the beginning of the congress, several federation representatives pointed out their dissatisfaction and bombarded President Barelli with questions concerning non-transparency in work, Swiss police investigation, and lack of communication with FINA.  Following that, all members were taken to a vote in accordance with the agenda.

German president Marco Troll asked for a secret vote on behalf of 10 federations. According to the Constitution this had to be accepted.

Discharge of the LEN Bureau was also one of the points of the agenda. Simply put, the federation delegates express their confidence in the Bureau. With 46 votes against and 44 votes in favour, members decided that the Bureau isn’t performing as expected. Immediately after the votes were presented, president of the Portuguese Federation, Antonio Silva, handed the Secretary General of LEN a request for an extraordinary congress signed by members of 24 European federations, including Germany, France, Russia, Greece, Switzerland… The topic of the congress is Dismissal of the actual LEN Bureau and Election of a new Bureau.

Given that Barelli’s house of cards has finally collapsed, we will get a new LEN leadership in early February 2022 and they will have the opportunity to repair all that has gone wrong in the last ten years while also starting everything that has never been done. And we all know that water polo requires a lot of effort.

We can be sure that Paolo Barelli will attempt everything he can to obstruct this decision, and that he will use well-known political trading tactics to shift the votes back to his side.

I have to admit I’m really impressed with their consistency in avoiding reality and covering up any facts that don’t work in their favour. Here you can see the official press release they have sent out to the media. Not a single word about anything I mentioned above!

I’d like to advise Mr. Barelli to abandon all attempts to postpone these changes. If you truly love the water sports you claim, you must be aware that water polo doesn’t not have any time to spend while you are trying to defend your honour and ego. Ten years of free fall were enough, thanks.

I’d also like to warn the federation representatives that we’ll place special emphasis on investigative journalism and will publish any information about vote trading.

 

Marko Štefanek

Total Waterpolo CEO and Co-founder


 

MichaelPhelps Teaches Swimming - Most of us can swim, but there’s a difference between dog paddling on vacation and swimming for fitness. If you’re looking to unlock the low-impact, calorie-burning benefits of swimming, check out this course from Michael Phelps on This Skills. The 26-time Olympic gold medalist will cover everything you need to feel confidant and comfortable swimming laps. You’ll learn all the basic strokes, plus wall kicking, diving and other techniques, but you’ll also get a glimpse into the mindset of the most decorated Olympian of all time. Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/v4nmne8h

FINA SWIMMING WORLD CUP 2021 2021 Swimming World Cup to kick-off in Berlin



The 2021 FINA Swimming World Cup kicks-off in Berlin (GER) on Friday October 1 for a three-day action-packed 25m swimming event until Sunday October 3. Heats will be held in the morning from 10:00 and finals in the evening from 18:00. About 240 of the world’s best short course swimmers have registered to take part in the meet.

With no less than seven Olympic medals collected in Tokyo 2020 (4 gold and 3 bronze), Australia’s most decorated Olympian Emma McKeon highlights the Berlin entries. After an incredible summer, the star is setting sights on the SWC 2021 for which a total prize money of US$ 1'452'000 will be available.

The strong Australian delegation in Berlin will also be represented by Zac Incerti, Matthew Temple, Madison Wilson, Kyle Chalmers, Leah Neale and Minna Atherton.

Other big names to be expected in Berlin are: open water Olympic champion and national hero Florian Wellbrock, Arno Kamminga from the Netherlands, South Africa’s butterfly king Chad Le Clos and Blake Pieroni of the USA.

In the women’s pool, Canada’s Olympic champion Kylie Masse and teammate Margaret Macneil will be there as well as Sweden’s Michelle Coleman and Lydia Jacoby (USA). Russia’s swimming star Yuliya Efimova and Kira Toussaint of the Netherlands will also ensure a spectacular show at Berlin's Europasportpark indoor swimming pool.

A sum of US$ 224'000 to the top 20 athletes will be available for each stage, and a total of US$ 556'000 will be given to the top 10 athletes at the end of the series based on the overall ranking.

Scoring system

Athletes collect a number of points at each leg based on their results. The overall winners (man and woman) are the athletes with the highest points after completion of all the meets from the series. The best performance in combination with achievements in different events, not only among swimmers of the same discipline but among all the athletes competing at the series, can be a winning tactic to gain the maximum number of points.

To find out more about the scoring system, please follow this link. https://resources.fina.org/fina/document/2021/09/02/669e168e-70f4-436c-b01d-7818e9f56faf/SWC_Summons2021_for-web.pdf

The competition’s schedule unfolds as follows:

Table


 

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The circuit next stops in Budapest (HUN) from October 7-9, while Doha (QAT) and Kazan (RUS) will stage the two remaining meets on October 21-23 and October 28-30.

All four stops of the 2021 World Cup will be competed in 25m-pools and are qualifying events for the postponed 15th FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) to be held in Abu Dhabi (UAE) from December 16-21, 2021.

 

2021 FINA Swimming World Cup calendar:

1.    Berlin (GER) – October 1-3

2.    Budapest (HUN) – October 7-9

3.    Doha (QAT) - October 21-23

4.    Kazan (RUS) - October 28-30

Vladimir Morozov (RUS), to be present in Berlin, and Cate Campbell (AUS) were the winner of the 2019 edition of the FINA Swimming World Cup.

 

2019 overall MEN

Vladimir Morozov (RUS) 333 pts

Danas Rapsys (LTU) 234 pts

Arno Kamminga (NED) 195 pts

 

2019 overall WOMEN

Cate Campbell (AUS) 114 pts

Katinka Hosszu (HUN) 312 pts

Michelle Coleman (SWE) 174 pts

 

Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA)

The Fédération Internationale de Natation, founded in 1908, is the governing body for aquatics worldwide. FINA's five discipline Swimming, Open Water Swimming, Diving, Water Polo and Artistic Swimming - are all included in the Olympic programme. High Diving made its first appearance in FINA events at the 2013 FINA World Championships. FINA counts 209 affiliated National Federations on the five continents and has its headquarters in Lausanne (SUI).


 

MichaelPhelps Teaches Swimming - Most of us can swim, but there’s a difference between dog paddling on vacation and swimming for fitness. If you’re looking to unlock the low-impact, calorie-burning benefits of swimming, check out this course from Michael Phelps on This Skills. The 26-time Olympic gold medalist will cover everything you need to feel confidant and comfortable swimming laps. You’ll learn all the basic strokes, plus wall kicking, diving and other techniques, but you’ll also get a glimpse into the mindset of the most decorated Olympian of all time. Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/v4nmne8h

2021 World Triathlon Junior Championships to take place in Quarteira



The Executive Board of World Triathlon has decided to reschedule the 2021 World Triathlon Junior Championships in Quarteira, Portugal, on November 6-7. The event was planned to take place in Bermuda during the World Triathlon Sprint & Relay Championships, that will not take place in 2021.

Quarteira is a well-known venue for the younger triathletes, having hosted in previous years multiple times one leg of the Europe Triathlon Junior Cup. On the weekend of November 6-7, the World Triathlon Junior Championships will take place along with a Europe Triathlon Cup.

“We really want to thank the Portuguese National Federation, the local organising committee and Europe Triathlon for their willingness to step up and add the Junior World Championships to the programme of Quarteira. With the Juniors already having missed their World Championships last year due to the pandemic, it was very important for us to give them the opportunity to compete this year so that the athletes will have at least one chance of competing at the highest level before moving out of this age group”, explained World Triathlon President and IOC member, Marisol Casado.

 

ABOUT WORLD TRIATHLON

World Triathlon is the international governing body for the Olympic and Paralympic sport of triathlon and all related multisport disciplines around the world, including duathlon, aquathlon, cross triathlon and winter triathlon. Triathlon made its Olympic debut in Sydney 2000, with a third medal event, the Mixed Team Relay, added to the programme at Tokyo 2020, while para triathlon was first added to the Paralympic programme at Rio 2016. World Triathlon is proudly committed to the development of the sport worldwide, with inclusion, equality, sustainability and transparency at our core as we seek to help triathletes at all levels of the sport to be extraordinary. 

www.triathlon.org


 

MichaelPhelps Teaches Swimming - Most of us can swim, but there’s a difference between dog paddling on vacation and swimming for fitness. If you’re looking to unlock the low-impact, calorie-burning benefits of swimming, check out this course from Michael Phelps on This Skills. The 26-time Olympic gold medalist will cover everything you need to feel confidant and comfortable swimming laps. You’ll learn all the basic strokes, plus wall kicking, diving and other techniques, but you’ll also get a glimpse into the mindset of the most decorated Olympian of all time. Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/v4nmne8h

Champions League, Qualification Round II Draw sets up three thrilling days at four venues



Courtesy: LEN

The draw for the second round of the qualifications in the Champions League has been conducted  – this crucial phase will halve the field as only the top two of each group can go through.

The top two finishers of the first round will see some tough challenge – perhaps Savona’s road seems to be rockier as they face last season’s Euro Cup winner Szolnok and Greece’s second ranked side Vouliagmeni and also Montenegro’s recent Champions League participant Jadran Herceg Novi.

On contrary, OSC Budapest, achieving a perfect 6/6 last week, will have a clash with last season’s semi finalist Brescia but they may find beating France’s Noisy a bit easier though face a tricky encounter with  Spain’s Terrassa.

Group D in Zagreb is to offer a traditionally thrilling Croatian-Serbian battle between Mladost and  Zvezda, and Montpellier – undefeated in the first round – and Apolon had some fine matches, so it’s going  to be three demanding days for everyone.

The other group to be played in Croatia also features four quality sides and it’s a tough call to predict the  outcome. Both teams coming from the first round, Jadran and Primorac did well last week so Barcelona  and Oradea cannot take anything granted.

The top two ranked teams will advance to the third round where the group winners shall be drawn against  the second placed clubs and the four winners will get the Champions League berths while the losing sides  can continue in the Euro Cup.

 

Champions League, Qualification Round II – 8-10 October

Group C – Szolnok (HUN)

Szolnoki Dozsa (HUN), Vouliagmeni NC (GRE), RN Savona (ITA), Jadran Herceg Novi (MNE)

 

Group D – Zagreb (CRO)

HAVK Mladost (CRO), BVK Crvena Zvezda (SRB), Montpelier WP (FRA), GS Apolon Smyrnis (GRE)

 

Group E – Paris (FRA)

AN Brescia (ITA) Noisy le Sec (FRA), OSC Budapest (HUN), CN Terrassa (ESP)

 

Group F – Split (CRO)

CN Barcelona (ESP), CSM Oradea (ROU), Jadran Split (CRO), Primorac Kotor (MNE) 27 September 2021


 

MichaelPhelps Teaches Swimming - Most of us can swim, but there’s a difference between dog paddling on vacation and swimming for fitness. If you’re looking to unlock the low-impact, calorie-burning benefits of swimming, check out this course from Michael Phelps on This Skills. The 26-time Olympic gold medalist will cover everything you need to feel confidant and comfortable swimming laps. You’ll learn all the basic strokes, plus wall kicking, diving and other techniques, but you’ll also get a glimpse into the mindset of the most decorated Olympian of all time. Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/v4nmne8h

International Swimming League (ISL), 25./26. September, Napoli (I): Steigerungslauf von Ugolkova endet in Schweizer Rekord über 400 Lagen



Nur wenige Wochen nach ihrem Karrierehöhepunkt in Tokyo präsentiert sich Maria Ugolkova bereits wieder in Rekordlaune. Bei ihrem vierten Einsatz in der International Swimming League für das Team Iron stellte Ugolkova in der «Piscina Felice Scandone» in Neapel (I) einen neuen Schweizer Rekord auf über 400 Lagen auf. Sie erreichte auf der 25-Meter-Bahn eine Zeit von 4:36.31 Minuten und war damit 27 Hundertstelsekunden schneller als bei ihrem alten Rekord, den sie anlässlich der Kurzbahn-EM im Dezember 2019 in Glasgow aufgestellt hatte.

Ugolkova ist eine wichtige Punktesammlerin und kämpft nun mit ihrem Team Iron am 29. und 30. September um den Einzug in die Playoffs gegen die Mannschaften der Tokyo Frogs, New York Breakers und DC Trident.

Stefan Trümpler

Medienverantwortlicher


 

MichaelPhelps Teaches Swimming - Most of us can swim, but there’s a difference between dog paddling on vacation and swimming for fitness. If you’re looking to unlock the low-impact, calorie-burning benefits of swimming, check out this course from Michael Phelps on This Skills. The 26-time Olympic gold medalist will cover everything you need to feel confidant and comfortable swimming laps. You’ll learn all the basic strokes, plus wall kicking, diving and other techniques, but you’ll also get a glimpse into the mindset of the most decorated Olympian of all time. Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/v4nmne8h

Friday, September 24, 2021

LEN Open Water Cup, Leg 3, Barcelona (ESP) – Showtime with all European Olympic medallists



An outstanding field gathers in Barcelona for the third leg of the LEN Open Water Cup as both the men’s and the women’s competitions are to feature the top European finishers from the Olympic Games.

The greatest European stars highlight the Saturday races in Barcelona, to be held in the Moll de Bosc I Alsina – the very centre of the city’s sea front.

Among the men, Olympic champion Florian Wellbrock of Germany, runner-up Kristof Rasovszky of Hungary and bronze medallist Gregorio Paltrinieri of Italy will have another showdown. Add France’s world champion, and winner of the opening leg, Marc-Antoine Olivier, the 25km European Champion Axel Reymond and Germany’s 2019 world bronze medallist Rob Muffels to the mix and the second leg of the Cup might be just as well considered a field worthy of a European Championships.

The women’s competition will be no less exciting as Tokyo silver medallist (and Rio Olympic champion) Sharon van Rouwendaal of the Netherlands and 4th placed Anna Olasz of Hungary take on the challenge from the others in the women’s event (they came 1-2 at the Europeans in May).

And the others will surely be very much in the contest as Germany comes with 2019 world bronze medallist Leonie Beck and 25km European champion Lea Boy while Italy lines up with 5km European silver medallist Giulia Gabbrielleschi and the two front runners from the first leg, winner Martina de Memme and runner-up Barbara Pozzobon.

Fans can tune in for free live streaming by visiting the LEN website, the start is set at 12.30hrs.

LEN Open Water Cup, Season 2021

• Leg 1: 14 August – Ohrid (MKD)

• Leg 2: 19 September – Rijeka (CRO, cancelled)

• Leg 3: 25 September – Barcelona (ESP)

• Leg 4: 3 October – Piombino (ITA)

• Leg 5: 9 October – Alghero (ITA)


 

MichaelPhelps Teaches Swimming - Most of us can swim, but there’s a difference between dog paddling on vacation and swimming for fitness. If you’re looking to unlock the low-impact, calorie-burning benefits of swimming, check out this course from Michael Phelps on This Skills. The 26-time Olympic gold medalist will cover everything you need to feel confidant and comfortable swimming laps. You’ll learn all the basic strokes, plus wall kicking, diving and other techniques, but you’ll also get a glimpse into the mindset of the most decorated Olympian of all time. Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/v4nmne8h

Thursday, September 23, 2021

Women’s Euro League, Qualification Round – Draw Another showdown for Sabadell and Orizzonte



Women’s action at the European stage is also set to kick off in November – the draw for the qualification round in the Euro League has been conducted today in Malta, at the site of the ongoing men’s U17 European Water Polo Championships.

In two months, the women’s Euro League kicks off with the qualification round at four venues. Since the top three ranked teams shall advance, this opening phase may not offer the same thrills as the preliminar round will in December – still, rankings also determine the batches for the next draw so a couple of tough encounters is very much in the cards.

Group A may even see some drama since one of the four stronger sides will fall at the end of the tournament: Uralochka (RUS), Glyfada (GRE), Terrassa (ESP) and Verona (ITA) need to be on top this November. The other three groups all have three teams apiece representing the top nations, in Group B and C the French clubs should cause an upset to stir up the ranks.

While qualifying will never be in question for the top three in Group D, Porto should witness some brilliant action since two giants were drawn together – 5-time champion Sabadell (ESP) and 8-time winner Orizzonte (ITA) entertained each other in recent editions too (and played for the Super Cup in 2019), their clash is perhaps the most awaited game in this round.

As for the next stage, Olympiacos Piraeus (GRE), Dunaujvarosi Foiskola (HUN), UVSE Budapest (HUN) and Kinef Kirishi (RUS) will join the advancing 12 teams in the prelims, scheduled for December.

Women’s Euro League – Qualification Round (18-21 November 2021)

Group A – Athens (GRE)

Dynamo Uralochka Zlatoust (RUS), NC Glyfada (GRE), CN Terrassa (ESP), SSN Verona (ITA), ASA Tel Aviv (ISR)

Group B – Rome (ITA)

FTC-Telekom Budapest (HUN), Lille UC (FRA), SIS Roma (ITA), CN Mediterrani Barcelona (ESP), Sirens Malta (MLT), ZVL 1886 Tetteroo (NED)

Group C – Berlin (GER)

Vouliagmeni NC (GRE), BVSC-Zuglo (HUN), Olympic Nice (FRA), Plebiscito Padova (ITA), Spandau 04 Berlin (GER)

Group D – Porto (POR)

CN Sabadell (ESP), Orizzonte Catania (ITA), Ethnikos Piraeus (GRE), C.A. Pacense (POR), SK Olimpia Kosice (SVK)


 

MichaelPhelps Teaches Swimming - Most of us can swim, but there’s a difference between dog paddling on vacation and swimming for fitness. If you’re looking to unlock the low-impact, calorie-burning benefits of swimming, check out this course from Michael Phelps on This Skills. The 26-time Olympic gold medalist will cover everything you need to feel confidant and comfortable swimming laps. You’ll learn all the basic strokes, plus wall kicking, diving and other techniques, but you’ll also get a glimpse into the mindset of the most decorated Olympian of all time. Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/v4nmne8h

World Triathlon - The photo finish gives Tim Hellwig his first-ever Series win in Hamburg



In an astonishing finish and down to the line, it was Tim Hellwig (GER) who was crowned champion in the 2021 Hamburg Wasser World Triathlon Championship Series on a photo finish battle with Frenchman Paul Georgenthum, who claimed silver on his debut at the Series, while his teammate Leo Bergere crossed the finish line in third.

It what ended being a magnificent race day for Germany, it was another local athlete, Jonas Schomburg, who led the field of 51 athletes out of the water after the 750m swim, leading a small group of six that managed to get away with 50 meters to go. Along with Jonas were Takumi Hojo (JPN), Mark Devay (HUN), Tim Hellwig (GER), Chase Mcqueen (USA) and Dylan McCullough (NZL), who headed the stairs out the water with ten seconds over the rest of the field.

Leo Bergere was by then 15 seconds behind. Two of the other favourites, next to him was Antonio Serrat Seoane (ESP) but Casper Stornes (NOR) lost over 30 seconds, which proved to be too much for the Norwegian to catch up.

On their bikes, it was just a matter of two laps for Bergere to catch the leaders and put himself in front of the group, while Serrat charged hard to make up the difference and also joined the large train of athletes, which by the time they all hit the second transition was formed by over 25 athletes.

And with such a large group hitting transition together, it was not easy for some of them to get on their shoes. Leo Bergere managed to leave in the first place, followed closely by Emil Holm (DEN), and immediately two other Frenchmen were on Bergere’s shoes: Paul Georgenthum and Tom Richard.

They push the pace and only Lasse Nygaard-Priester (GER), Charles Pacquet (CAN) and Antonio Serrat were able to follow. And together they run until for 5km, looking to each other, no one wanting to start too early.

By the time they hit the blue carpet, the six of them were sprinting in pure Hy-Vee style to the point that a photo finish was needed to declare the winner of the 2021 Hamburg Wasser World Triathlon Championship Series. And it was Hellwig the one who crossed the line first, on a career-best for the young German, putting the perfect ending to a wonderful day for the host country. “There’s no better place in the world to win your first WTCS race than here at home, it’s a special feeling. I raced here last year on a difference course. This one here is very special, when you have so much spectator support, cheering you on, they are just flying over the course, it feels so great.I watched the replay from 2019 and I saw the sprint finish between Jake Birtwhistle and Vincent Luis and I thought, don’t go too early. I think I timed it perfect. It was so very close in the end but I am super happy that I won,” he said.

Georgenthum was happy enough to claim the silver medal on his debut on the Series. “I am really happy. It was my first WTCS race and before the race, I couldn’t imagine this result. I am very happy”, he explained.

A bit more disappointed was Bergere, that got in Hamburg his third consecutive bronze medal on the World Triathlon Championship Series after finishing third in Montreal and Edmonton. “I will take that but to be completely honest, I am quite disappointed. Three bronze medals in a row is quite good but in the same time, I really want more. I am disappointed that the breakaway didn’t pay off today so next time I will have the same motivation to attack.The younger guys had something more in the tank, for the sprint finish and I can say that I am so happy for my teammate and training mate Paul (Georgenthum), for his first-ever WTCS race and second today, I am just delighted for him”, he said.

It was another German, Nygaard-Priester, who rounded his victory last week at the Karlovy Vary World Cup with the fastest running split in Hamburg, which took him to the fourth place, while Antonio Serrat closed the top 5.

 

Results: Elite Men

1.Tim HellwigGER 00:53:08

2.Paul GeorgenthumFRA 00:53:08

3.Léo BergereFRA 00:53:09

4.Lasse Nygaard-PriesterGER 00:53:09

5.Antonio Serrat SeoaneESP 00:53:12

 

ABOUT WORLD TRIATHLON

World Triathlon is the international governing body for the Olympic and Paralympic sport of triathlon and all related multisport disciplines around the world, including duathlon, aquathlon, cross triathlon and winter triathlon. Triathlon made its Olympic debut in Sydney 2000, with a third medal event, the Mixed Team Relay, added to the programme at Tokyo 2020, while para triathlon was first added to the Paralympic programme at Rio 2016. World Triathlon is proudly committed to the development of the sport worldwide, with inclusion, equality, sustainability and transparency at our core as we seek to help triathletes at all levels of the sport to be extraordinary. 

www.triathlon.org


 

MichaelPhelps Teaches Swimming - Most of us can swim, but there’s a difference between dog paddling on vacation and swimming for fitness. If you’re looking to unlock the low-impact, calorie-burning benefits of swimming, check out this course from Michael Phelps on This Skills. The 26-time Olympic gold medalist will cover everything you need to feel confidant and comfortable swimming laps. You’ll learn all the basic strokes, plus wall kicking, diving and other techniques, but you’ll also get a glimpse into the mindset of the most decorated Olympian of all time. Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/v4nmne8h

The World Triathlon Sprint & Relay Championships Scheduled for October 15-17 in Bermuda will not take place in 2021



After extensive discussions with Bermuda’s health and government authorities, the Bermuda Local Organising Committee and World Triathlon have made the difficult decision that the 2021 World Triathlon Sprint & Relay Championship will not take place this year.

Bermuda was ready to welcome hundreds of participants from all over the world from October 15 to 17. However, changing conditions on the ground demanded that the programme’s safety plan be reviewed. Using a tool provided by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Organising Committee and the World Triathlon conducted a risk assessment on the event. The analysis considered the island’s recent spike in Covid-19 infections in addition to the Bermuda Hospital’s elevated Covid-19 patient intake, and the Organising Committee in consultation with World Triathlon made the decision not to proceed with the October event. The health and safety of all athletes, coaches, staff, contractors, volunteers, and the people of the island was the primary consideration.   

The whole World Triathlon family is disheartened that the global pandemic continues to impact our events, but we are committed to returning to Bermuda. We are confident in the island’s rigorous pandemic management and reputation of delivering safe, outstanding sporting events. Conversations are taking place presently to identify other exciting future opportunities, including a triathlon on the island of Bermuda.  

 

ABOUT WORLD TRIATHLON

World Triathlon is the international governing body for the Olympic and Paralympic sport of triathlon and all related multisport disciplines around the world, including duathlon, aquathlon, cross triathlon and winter triathlon. Triathlon made its Olympic debut in Sydney 2000, with a third medal event, the Mixed Team Relay, added to the programme at Tokyo 2020, while para triathlon was first added to the Paralympic programme at Rio 2016. World Triathlon is proudly committed to the development of the sport worldwide, with inclusion, equality, sustainability and transparency at our core as we seek to help triathletes at all levels of the sport to be extraordinary. 

www.triathlon.org


 

MichaelPhelps Teaches Swimming - Most of us can swim, but there’s a difference between dog paddling on vacation and swimming for fitness. If you’re looking to unlock the low-impact, calorie-burning benefits of swimming, check out this course from Michael Phelps on This Skills. The 26-time Olympic gold medalist will cover everything you need to feel confidant and comfortable swimming laps. You’ll learn all the basic strokes, plus wall kicking, diving and other techniques, but you’ll also get a glimpse into the mindset of the most decorated Olympian of all time. Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/v4nmne8h

World Triathlon - Tim Hellwig brings gold home for Germany at the Hamburg Mixed Relay



As if Mixed Relay races were not exciting enough, add to the mix a penalty to be served just a few meters before crossing the finish line by the leading athlete and you have what happened this Sunday at the 2021 Hamburg Wasser World Triathlon Mixed Relay Hamburg, where the German team put the perfect ending to the weekend by crossing the finish line in first place in a dramatic way. Italy run away with the silver medal, while the young team from Denmark earned the first-ever relay medal finishing in third place.

15 women were in charge of starting the race in the iconic pontoon on the Hamburg city center, with Erika Ackerlund (USA) wearing the number 1 that gave her the chance of choosing her spot on the start first. And while she choose the far right corner, great swimmers like Olivia Mathias (GBR), Laura Lindemann (GER), Natalie Van Coevorden (AUS), Alberte Kjaer Pedersen (DEN) and Nicole Van Der Kaay (NZL) all went to the opposite side, with Mathias leading the small group of six that opened a small gap in the first leg of the 300m swim.

Even though they managed to get out of the water with a small gap, it was not enough to prevent most of the chasers to catch them as soon as they were on their bikes, and soon a group of 12 athletes was riding together until they all entered transition for the fast run. It was then the moment for Kjaer Pedersen, current U23 silver medallist at the World Championships, to prove that she is one of the fastest athletes of the moment, with only Lindemann able to follow her. They both tagged their teammates on the lead, with Team Italy right on their feet.

And it was Team Italy, with Alessio Crociani, who decided to go up front on the bike followed by Emil Holm (DEN), Lasse Nygard-Priester (GER), Saxon Morgan (NZL), Daniel Dixon (GBR) and Chase Mcqueen (USA). They managed to leave behind them Team Australia, Team Netherlands and Team Canada, while Team Spain was almost one minute back, but when it came to the second run segment of the day, it would be Spaniard Antonio Serrat Seoane the one storming the field to breach the gap and almost make contact with the leading group. Meanwhile, Emil Holm pushed hard enough to tag his teammate in the lead with almost 10 seconds of a difference.

With Holm handing over to Six Bendix Madsen for Team Denmark, it was clear that it won’t be easy to leave the young Danish team behind, and the 2018 Buenos Aires Youth Games silver medallist was able to stay up front, followed by Ainsley Thorpe, Marlene Gomez-Islinger and Carlotta Missaglia (ITA) throughout the whole leg, leaving even further behind two of their main rivals for the day: Summer Rappaport from Team USA and Sian Rainsley for Great Britain.

By the time of the anchor leg, the leading group was only of four teams: Italy, Germany, New Zealand and Denmark, and Tim Hellwig and Gianluca Pozzatti decided to go full gas from the beginning of the last leg. By the time they mounted their bikes it was just the two of them, but the drama will begin just at that moment. Hellwig took the bike before fastening the helmet, which means a 10 seconds penalty to be served right before crossing the finish line. He knew it, and he decided to try to save some legs on the bike to give it all on the run, knowing that a sprint finish like the one that gave him gold the day before wouldn’t work this time.

The young German went full gas from the moment he left the second transition, and managed to open a gap of 10 seconds in the first lap of the two needed. Would that be enough? Hellwig stopped at the penalty box holding his breath, desperately looking back hoping to not see Pozzatti turning around the last corner for the likely ten longest seconds of his life. It ended up being enough. And Hellwig grab the famous Hamburg tape to be hugged by his teammates, with a delighted Team Italy finished in second. Oscar Gladney Rundqvist had the run of his life to earn Denmark their first ever medal in Hamburg on the Mixed Relay, with the Kiwi team finishing in fourth place.

“It was just a perfect race from the whole team, everyone did a great job and it was a perfect weekend,” said Laura Lindemann. It was indeed a glorious weekend for Germany, claiming the three gold medals of the 2021 Hamburg Wasser World Triathlon Championship Series Hamburg. “The team spirit was very good and that was key,” explained Lasse Nygaard-Priester. The hero of the day Hellwig, couldn’t be happier: “I knew straight away that this will be a penalty, so I tried to be a bit conservative on the bike and had to go out in from the beginning of the run and I am just happy it worked out.”

Also happy and proud was Team Italy, especially the anchor man, Pozzatti. “I heard they (Germany) got a penalty so he was really strong on the run, I tried my best to hold on, I knew 10-seconds can be a long time and tried to stay as close as I could but just went too hard in the end. I am super proud of this young team and super happy to share the podium with them”, he said. “It’s a very good race from everyone. We are younger but we have a whole day of power and we did our best,” said Beatrice Mallozzi. It was indeed a great debut for most of the team members. “I am very happy about this. It’s my debut in the major league of triathlon, WTCS Mixed Relay, so I am very happy about this.  I know I am strong in the swim and the bike so I pushed hard in the first swim, so I am very happy about this. On the run I tried to stay with the German team so I could do changing of the position for my teammate Carlotta”, explained Crociani.

Alberte Kjaer Pedersen said: “It was so exciting and it was really crazy and I loved every second of it. Everyone did their best and then it just happened, we became third in Hamburg. It’s just crazy.” Her teammate Oscar Gladney Rundqvist explained: “It was absolutely crazy, I really didn’t expect for this to come. It was such a hard day yesterday for me and just to see the team performance they did, it gave me so much adrenaline. This is awesome and one of the best performances by this team and so much motivation for the future”.

Results: Mixed Relay

1.Team I Germany     GER     01:21:39

2.Team I Italy ITA      01:21:45

3.Team I Denmark     DEN     01:22:32

4.Team I New Zealand          NZL     01:22:40

5.Team I United States         USA     01:22:51

ABOUT WORLD TRIATHLON

World Triathlon is the international governing body for the Olympic and Paralympic sport of triathlon and all related multisport disciplines around the world, including duathlon, aquathlon, cross triathlon and winter triathlon. Triathlon made its Olympic debut in Sydney 2000, with a third medal event, the Mixed Team Relay, added to the programme at Tokyo 2020, while para triathlon was first added to the Paralympic programme at Rio 2016. World Triathlon is proudly committed to the development of the sport worldwide, with inclusion, equality, sustainability and transparency at our core as we seek to help triathletes at all levels of the sport to be extraordinary. 

www.triathlon.org


 

MichaelPhelps Teaches Swimming - Most of us can swim, but there’s a difference between dog paddling on vacation and swimming for fitness. If you’re looking to unlock the low-impact, calorie-burning benefits of swimming, check out this course from Michael Phelps on This Skills. The 26-time Olympic gold medalist will cover everything you need to feel confidant and comfortable swimming laps. You’ll learn all the basic strokes, plus wall kicking, diving and other techniques, but you’ll also get a glimpse into the mindset of the most decorated Olympian of all time. Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/v4nmne8h

Water Polo Champions League, Qualification Round 1 – Preview New season kicks off today


 

Champions League is back to its usual playing format, and this week the first of the three qualification rounds take place in two venues with 13 teams.

The new season of the Champions League gets underway today in Podgorica where Group B action kicks off in the first qualification round.

The opening day already promises some fine water polo as a great Adriatic showdown is scheduled between the two Jadrans, host Herceg Novi (MNE) and Split (CRO). With last season’s Euro Cup runner-up OSC (HUN), recent CHL-participant Sintez (RUS) and Apollon (GRE) are also in this group, all these matches are of great importance as one of these five teams will not make the cut.

The other group in Savona has four favourites, so the ranks are at stake but since batches for the next round are determined by the positions obtained here, Savona (ITA), Terrassa (ESP), Montpellier (FRA) and Primorac (MNE) should produce some fierce clashes.

LEN, in association with the host clubs, provides free live streaming from all matches.

Champions League, Qualification – Round 1

Group A – Savona (ITA)

RN Savona (ITA), CN Terrassa (ESP), Montpellier Water Polo (FRA), Primorac Kotor (MNE), AZS UW WP Warsaw (POL), Vitoria Guimaraes (POR)

Group B – Podgorica (MNE)

OSC Budapest (HUN), Jadran Split (CRO), Apollon Smyrnis (GRE), Jadran Herceg Novi (MNE), Sintez Kazan (RUS), EVK Zaibas (LTU), Enka Istanbul (TUR)

For live stream, live scores and detailed schedule and results, visit this link:

http://len.microplustiming.com/lenchampionsleague/

22 September 2021



Michael Phelps Teaches Swimming - Most of us can swim, but there’s a difference between dog paddling on vacation and swimming for fitness. If you’re looking to unlock the low-impact, calorie-burning benefits of swimming, check out this course from Michael Phelps on This Skills. The 26-time Olympic gold medalist will cover everything you need to feel confidant and comfortable swimming laps. You’ll learn all the basic strokes, plus wall kicking, diving and other techniques, but you’ll also get a glimpse into the mindset of the most decorated Olympian of all time. Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/v4nmne8h

Monday, September 13, 2021

World Clean Up Day #LIMPEOLAGOGUAIBA



The event #LIMPEOLAGOGUAIBA will happen on September 18th, from 9 a.m. to 12 a.m.. The swimmers and rowers of Grupo Tchê Travessias will make the journey between  José Comunal Park and Veludo beach. They are going to collect the garbage deposited on the shore of Guaíba Lake, located in Porto Alegre city, capital of Rio Grande do Sul state, southern Brazil. The 4 km journey of round trip will be done on the water and also on foot.

The objective of this act is mobilizing people to protect Lake Guaíba in a relaxed and sporting way. The idea is that, much more than an event, it is a permanent movement in defense of the lake.

The World Clean Up Day or World Clean Up Day is the day when people of all ages and from around the world gather to clean beaches, mangroves, rivers, seas and lagoons.

#LIMPEOLAGOGUAIBA is supported by the Municipal Secretary of Urban Services of the Municipality of Porto Alegre, RS, BRAZIL.

Swimming for the postcards project promotes actions of environmental responsibility and social inclusion in different projects in which it operates. The Project's objective is to contribute to a more aware society and a cleaner environment. Learn more about how to participate and support this project on the website francisswim.com.br and also on social networks https://www.instagram.com/francisswim and https://www.facebook.com/worldswim

Sunday, September 12, 2021

I GOLDEN GOGGLES DI USA SWIMMING SI TERRANNO A MIAMI IL 7 DICEMBRE



Lo show annuale degli USA Swimming‘s Golden Goggles Awards assumerà un nuovo look nel 2021. L’evento si terrà per la prima volta a Miami il 7 dicembre.

Il gala di premiazione del red-carpet è stato tradizionalmente ospitato a New York o Los Angeles a metà-fine novembre.

Miami era inizialmente prevista per ospitare l’evento del 2020, che è stato poi tenuto virtualmente a causa della pandemia e delle restrizioni di viaggio.

Per quanto riguarda il leggero cambiamento di data, USA Swimming ha detto SwimSwam che l’evento è stato spostato di qualche settimana al fine di ospitare gli atleti che saranno in competizione nei playoff della International Swimming League (ISL).

Pagina ufficiale dell’evento https://www.usaswimming.org/foundation/events-group/golden-goggles

Lo show verrà ospitato presso il Faena Hotel di Miami Beach. Gli “occhialini d’oro” tornerà al suo formato tradizionale, con le stelle dei giochi olimpici di Tokyo 2020 che sfileranno dal vivo per essere premiati per il loro successo ed il loro contributo a questo sport.

 

I premi presentati ogni anno includono:

Atleta femminile dell’anno (vincitore 2019: Simone Manuel)

Atleta maschile dell’anno (vincitore 2019: Caeleb Dressel)

Breakout Performer dell’anno (vincitore 2019: Regan Smith)

Allenatore dell’anno (vincitore 2019: Mike Parratto)

Premio Perseveranza (vincitore 2019: Nathan Adrian)

Relay Performance of the Year (vincitore 2019: staffetta 4×100 medley femminile, Mondiali 2019)

Gara femminile dell’anno (vincitrice 2019: Regan Smith, 200 dorso, Mondiali 2019)

Gara maschile dell’anno (vincitore 2019: Caeleb Dressel, 100 farfalla, Mondiali 2019)

L’evento include anche la cena e un’asta silenziosa.

 

Senza alcun incontro importante l’anno scorso, USA Swimming ha onorato la squadra olimpica statunitense del 1980 e i lavoratori di prima linea durante l’evento del 2020.

FONTE SWIM SWAM ITÁLIA


 

MichaelPhelps Teaches Swimming - Most of us can swim, but there’s a difference between dog paddling on vacation and swimming for fitness. If you’re looking to unlock the low-impact, calorie-burning benefits of swimming, check out this course from Michael Phelps on This Skills. The 26-time Olympic gold medalist will cover everything you need to feel confidant and comfortable swimming laps. You’ll learn all the basic strokes, plus wall kicking, diving and other techniques, but you’ll also get a glimpse into the mindset of the most decorated Olympian of all time. Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/v4nmne8h

Almere to crown the 2021 World Triathlon Long Distance Champions



It is considered the “second oldest race in the world”, and this weekend Almere-Amsterdam, in the Netherlands will get ready to once again host the world’s best long distance athletes, this time vying for the World Triathlon Long Distance crowns. Strong fields of elite athletes will take the start this Sunday for the 2021 World Triathlon Long Distance Championships for a 3.8km swim, 180km bike and 42km run on a course that is below sea level, flat and where the wind can strike mercilessly. Whatever it takes to crown the next World Champion, now that the previous titleholder, Spanish legend Javier Gomez Noya, is not competing.

The elite men will take the stage at 7am on Sunday, with the Elite women following up 5 minutes later and then leaving the floor for the Para triathlon and Age Group World Championships. All of them will have to cover two laps on the Weerwater Lake to then cycle 180 kilometres along the former seabed between dykes and windmills, before six laps of seven kilometres each through the city of Almere on their way to the finish.

 

Men’s race

After a two-year hiatus forced by the pandemic, taking the start will be a mix of athletes with previous successful records in Challenge - Almere, and with a great knowledge of the course and some of the World Triathlon Long Distance experts, willing to take a shot at this year’s event, slightly longer format than the last time that the event was held, in Pontevedra 2019.

And it is in fact the silver medallist in Pontevedra Long Distance World Championships, Pablo Dapena, who will be one to watch this Sunday. The Spaniard, who won the World title at Fyn 2018, knows that this flat course is not the best for his skills, but is hoping that an excellent run will get him again on the podium.

The task won’t be an easy one. Also lining up in Almere-Amsterdam will be USA’s Andrew Starykowicz, who represented Team USA at the Collins Cup only two weeks ago, and is looking to prove that the course fits him perfectly. Starykowicz, one of the strongest cyclists of the professional field, has already announced multiple times that he wants to break the record over the 180km distance, and this might just be his chance. Another strong cyclist, Kristian Hogenhaug, was a runner-up in Almere 2019, and is quite experienced in coping with the more than likely strong winds that will surely make a difference in the bike segment.

Dirk Wijnalda and Eric-Simon Strijk will be proudly representing the Dutch team, and along with the likes of Thomas Steger (AUT) or Tomas Renc (CZE) will be trying their best to make it to the top positions.

 

Women’s race

With none of the top five finishers from the 2019 World Championships taking the start in Almere, it will be one of the most open races ever coming up on Sunday. A world title is up for grabs, and there are quite a few women ready to take it home!

Long Distance World Champion in 2014 and silver medallist in 2012, 2013 & 2015, Camila Pedersen (DEN) will be the one to beat when the race kicks off this Sunday. The Dane, who was the first ever female to go under nine hours on the Ironman distance, will line up in Almere this Sunday ready to grab her 5th medal in the World Triathlon Long Distance Championships, knowing that the flat and technical bike course fits her extremely well.

On a mission this Sunday will be a handful of Dutch triathletes: Sarissa De Vries, Ilona Everdisjk and Janien Lubben, who will have the extra support of racing at home when vying for a world title.

Marta Bernardi (ITA) already knows what it is to stand on the podium this season, after grabbing the bronze medal at the Middle Distance European Championships in Walchsee last June, and with many other middle and long-distance races under her belt.

Probably one of the more experienced athletes in the start list will be Simona Krivankova (CZE), who has raced in Almere in 2019 and 2017, always finishing in the top 6 places and used to deal with the windy bike circuit, which can be hard to manage for some athletes more used to hilly courses. Spaniard Saleta Castro will be one of the ones who will miss some hard hills to push on the bike, but she has proven to be one always to consider when it comes to long-distance races.

The Men’s race will get underway at 7am, with the elite women taking the start five minutes after. Both races will be available live on triathlonlive.tv

 

Age-Group Long Distance World Championships

Over 345 triathletes from 27 different countries will line up for the 2021 Almere-Amsterdam Age-Group World Triathlon Long Distance Championships, with each wave taking the start every ten minutes, starting at 7.35am. The first wave will be for the Para athletes vying for the Long Distance world titles.

The Long Distance race will start with two swim laps of 1.9 kilometres each in the Weerwater, counterclockwise, to then head to the first transition on the Esplanade. The bike course has two laps, each of 90km, on a flat course (the same as the Elites) that will take athletes through dikes, polders, windmills, and a lot of green areas. The long, windy dikes and the open polders will be challenging and tough, both mentally and physically. After the demanding bike course, a full marathon (42.2km) run course through the modern architecture of the city centre to cross the finish line on the Esplanade of Almere.

 

Long Distance Aquabike

Almere will play host as well this year to the World Triathlon Long Distance Aquabike Age-Group Championships, with 160 athletes from 15 countries competing over a 3.8km swim to then do 180km on their bikes. The men will take the start at 8.32 am, with the women toeing the start line ten minutes later, at 8.42am.

 

ABOUT WORLD TRIATHLON

World Triathlon is the international governing body for the Olympic and Paralympic sport of triathlon and all related multisport disciplines around the world, including duathlon, aquathlon, cross triathlon and winter triathlon. Triathlon made its Olympic debut in Sydney 2000, with a third medal event, the Mixed Team Relay, added to the programme at Tokyo 2020, while para triathlon was first added to the Paralympic programme at Rio 2016. World Triathlon is proudly committed to the development of the sport worldwide, with inclusion, equality, sustainability and transparency at our core as we seek to help triathletes at all levels of the sport to be extraordinary. 

www.triathlon.org


 

MichaelPhelps Teaches Swimming - Most of us can swim, but there’s a difference between dog paddling on vacation and swimming for fitness. If you’re looking to unlock the low-impact, calorie-burning benefits of swimming, check out this course from Michael Phelps on This Skills. The 26-time Olympic gold medalist will cover everything you need to feel confidant and comfortable swimming laps. You’ll learn all the basic strokes, plus wall kicking, diving and other techniques, but you’ll also get a glimpse into the mindset of the most decorated Olympian of all time. Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/v4nmne8h