The
forthcoming World Aquatics Swimming World Cup 2023 event in Berlin, scheduled
for 6-8 October, will include the debut of the World Aquatics open category.
This pioneering pilot project highlights the organisation’s unwavering
commitment to inclusivity, welcoming swimmers of all sex and gender identities.
The open
category will spotlight races in the 50m and 100m distances across all strokes,
with the possibility of introducing additional events. All competitions will
take place in a 50m pool, adhering to international standards. Participants in
the open category will compete over two days in timed finals. To be eligible,
swimmers need an affiliation with a national federation and will be given the
flexibility to participate individually, for their club, team or as national
federation members.
Detailed
entry requirements and entry times and process information will be available
soon. For this inaugural event, the emphasis is on gaining further experience
for future development and celebrating diversity.
“When
World Aquatics instituted its Policy on Eligibility for the Men’s and Women's
Competition Categories, we committed to exploring the creation of an open
category,” said World Aquatics President Husain Al-Musallam. “True to our word,
a team of experts has diligently worked to make this a reality. I would like to
thank all those who have helped World Aquatics to deliver this opportunity.”
Deutscher
Schwimm-Verband Vice President, Kai Morgenroth, expressed his enthusiasm,
stating: “Berlin is thrilled to champion this groundbreaking initiative with
the full endorsement of the German Swimming Federation. We're proud to host an
event where swimmers can compete without barriers. Berlin is Germany’s hub for
diversity and inclusion and therefore the perfect location for such a
progressive project.”
Held
across three days, the Berlin Swimming World Cup promises a stellar lineup,
featuring many top performers from the recent World Aquatics Championships in
Fukuoka 2023. Moreover, it serves as a pivotal stepping stone towards the World
Aquatics Championships in Doha 2024 and the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
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