nieuws - internationaal

De afgelopen jaren heeft het openwaterzwemmen een grote vlucht genomen. Binnenkort is Canary Wharf weer aan de beurt voor een seizoen vol zomerse zwempartijtjes.

Quick, give me a list of winter sports.

Ice skating, you say? Skiing, downhill and cross country. Tobogganing. Snowshoeing. Hockey, for traditionalists who prefer an outdoor pond to a year-round indoor rink.

 That’s a good list. But you forgot swimming.

@025-01-16 - Molveno - When the International Ice Swimming Association (IISA) was founded in 2009, they had a dream to see ice swimming become an Olympic sport one day. Since then, this extreme sport has grown globally, with swimmers now representing 43 countries. But what exactly is ice swimming? According to the IISA, it involves swimming in water temperatures of 41.0 degrees Fahrenheit (5.0 degrees Celsius) or lower without any assistance, using only a silicone swim cap, goggles and a regular swimsuit – no wetsuits allowed.

The IISA recognizes that ice swimming is an extreme sport that can be dangerous, which is why they have established rules and regulations to prioritize safety. For example, swimmers must undergo a medical examination, including an ECG, within three months prior to a race. Diving is prohibited at organized competitions, and swimmers can only be underwater for a maximum of 5 meters from the start, meaning there isn't much underwater swimming in these races. Additionally, a medical doctor is present at competitions to educate swimmers about hypothermia, the risks involved and other safety concerns. The IISA continuously reviews and amends its rules and regulations.

Inwoner van de Algarve Mario Sardo bereidt zich voor op een opmerkelijke prestatie: een 7,5 km lange zwemtocht van Robbeneiland naar het vasteland, een van de meest uitdagende open-waterzwemtochten op het zuidelijk halfrond.

WK Open Water Singapore (15 juli – 20 juli 2025)

Afstanden:
Dames en heren 5 km – 10 km – 3 km knock out sprint race
Mixed (2 dames, 2 heren) 4 x 1250m
Kwalificatie:

Congratulations

Honoree Richard Broer of the Netherlands has been selected as the ninth recipient of the Dale Petranech Award for Services to the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (IMSHOF). Since 2012 Richard has been a major contributor to the IMSHOF as a member of the Executive Committee and for several years before that as a member of the Board of Directors.

Congratulation Class of 2025 Inductee: Jorge “Coco” Villegas Pérez, Honor Swimmer, México

Announced to make his son's birthday today - even more special!

Jorge “Coco” Villegas Pérez coached open water swimmers starting in 1986 and pool swimmers since 1982. He was the Mexican National Coach for the Olympics, Pan Pacific Games, Latin Cup, Central American Games and FINA World Championships (1991 Perth, Australia - as both a pool and open water coach).

Congratulations Class pf 2025: Aurélie Muller, Honor Swimmer, France

Aurélie Muller won two Majors: FINA World Championship 10 km: in 2015 and 2017. She bested 6 other IMSHOF Honorees in these races. She raced at the elite level for over 15 years in more than 20 countries and took a podium position in 33% of the 27 top races she entered.

Welcome to Honor Swimmer Stève Stievenart from France. He, and his family, will have a short trip to Jersey (Channel Islands) for his May 20245 Induction.

The first (and only) to complete a 3-way Catalina Channel.

Congratulations Inductee Class of 2025: Dina Levačić, Honor Swimmer, Croatia

Announcement on her proud father's birthday!

Dina Levačić set the female speed record for the Fastnet swim in 2023 (still holds in 2024). She swam her first marathon swim, Faros, at age 13, competed on the FINA Grand Prix series for 6 years and placed 3rd overall in 2016, her final season.

Forrest Nelson, Honor Swimmer, United States of America will receive from the International Swimming Hall of Fame the 2025 Irving Davids/Captain Roger W. Wheeler Memorial Award for his contribution to the administration of open water swimming.

Welcome to Class of 2025: Eddie Spelling, Honor Pilot, Great Britain

He piloted for more than 20 years across the English Channel. His success include 174 one-way solo swimmers, 1 two-way solo swimmer, and 1 four-way solo swimmer (as of 2024).

The first of the IMSHOF Class of 2025

Inductees:

Grace “Gracie” van der Byl, Honor Swimmer, United States of America

She set the overall speed crossing record for Catalina (Catalina to Mainland) in and also set overall speed

records in S.C.A.R., 8 Bridges, and Cape May plus the female speed record in Lake Memphremagog in 2014.

Welcome IMSHOF Class of 2025 Inductee:

Simone Ercoli, Honor Swimmer, Italy

He raced at the top level for 10 years in 12 countries – 6 years as the captain of the successful Italian Open Water National Team. He won a silver medal at the 2002 FINA World Championship in Sharm El Sheikh at 10 km.