The World Aquatics Masters Championships is an eagerly anticipated event that brings together adult swimmers from around the globe to showcase their skills, determination, and passion for the sport. The upcoming edition of the championships, scheduled to take place in Kyushu in 2023, promises to be a thrilling and highly competitive affair. Lets look into the qualifying standards set by FINA for the World Aquatics Masters Championships – Kyushu 2023, shedding light on the requirements that swimmers must meet to participate in this prestigious international event.
Age Categories and Eligibility
The World Aquatics Masters Championships welcomes swimmers of various age groups, offering a chance for participants to compete against others within their respective age categories. The age categories will range in 14 age categories, starting with those under 25 and finishing with those over 90, that span primarily five-year intervals ensuring fair competition across different age groups.
The age groupings between are divided into blocks of five years each: 30, 25, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, and 85.
In every event, there is a distinct qualifying criterion for each age group.
Swimmers must ensure that they meet the age eligibility criteria specified by FINA to be eligible for participation in their respective age categories.
Time Standards for Pool Events:
To ensure a high level of competition, FINA has established time standards that swimmers must achieve in order to qualify for the World Aquatics Masters Championships – Kyushu 2023. These time standards vary based on the distance and stroke of the event. Swimmers aiming to participate in pool events must meet or surpass the specified qualifying times within the designated qualification period. The time standards serve as a benchmark of performance, ensuring that only the swimmers who have demonstrated exceptional ability secure their place in the championships.
Location and Types of Events
The event is scheduled to be held from 2nd to 11th August 2023 in three Japanese Cities, Fukuoka, Kumamoto, and Kagoshima, all of which are located on the island of Kyushu.
The World Aquatics Masters Championships feature 16 events. The freestyle competitions include the 50 free, 100 free, 200 free, 400 free, and 800 free. The 50, 100, and 200 breaststroke events will be held in addition to the 50, 100, and 200 backstroke event There will also be a 50, 100, and 200 in the butterfly. The 200 IM and 400 IM will be the individual medley vents.
Open Water Qualification
In addition to the pool events, the World Aquatics Masters Championships features open water swimming competitions. Swimmers interested in participating in these events must meet the qualifying standards set by FINA. These standards consider factors such as distance, time, and previous open water swimming experience. Given the unique challenges posed by open water swimming, the qualifying standards contribute to the safety and fair competition of all participants.
Relay Teams
The championships offer swimmers the opportunity to form relay teams and compete together. To be eligible for relay events, swimmers must meet the established time standards within their respective age categories. Relay teams can comprise swimmers from different clubs or countries, fostering camaraderie and teamwork among participants.
Spirit of Inclusion
The World Aquatics Masters Championships embraces the spirit of inclusivity, welcoming swimmers from diverse backgrounds, abilities, and nationalities. It serves as a platform for individuals of different ages and skill levels to come together and celebrate their shared love for swimming. Whether participants are seasoned masters swimmers or newcomers to the sport, the championships provide an opportunity for all to compete, grow, and forge lifelong connections with fellow swimmers from around the world
Wrapping Up
The World Aquatics Masters Championships – Kyushu 2023 presents a thrilling opportunity for adult swimmers to showcase their talent, determination, and dedication to the sport. With qualifying standards set for both pool and open water events, FINA ensures a competitive environment and a level playing field for participants. As swimmers gear up for the World Aquatics Masters Championships – Kyushu 2023, they embark on a journey filled with excitement, challenges, and the opportunity to make lasting memories in the realm of aquatic sports.
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