Lake Magog Organizers Quit FINA Open Water Circuits

Photo Courtesy: Swimming Canada/Scott Grant

The organizers of the International Traversing of Lake Memphrémagog (Lake Magog) announced in a press release that they have withdrawn their 34K and 10K races from FINA’s 2015 Open Water circuit. Originally scheduled for July 31, these races will not take place.

Mainly, their reason for withdrawing form the circuits was financial reasons. The Board of Directors did not feel that they could accommodate FINA’s open water event requests such as lodging, dining, transportation and scholarships for the swimmers.

Last year’s 10K winners were Olympians Ana Marcela of Brazil and Alex Meyer from the United States. While these swimmers and their competitors will not get the chance to compete in Canada in July, a group of amateur swimmers will still have the chance to make their way through the lake.

The  Canadian race organizers are hopeful that their decision to quit the circuits will also allow them to better host the Lake Magog marathon swim in its original 42K distance. In this race, swimmers cross the entire lake from Newport, USA to Magog, Canada. They think these changes will bring back the historic aspect of the race and promote amateur swimming.

In 1955, Francis William “Billy” O’Connor was the first to make the lengthy swim, completing it in 18 hours and 35 minutes. Since this feat was achieved, up to 25 swimmers attempt the 42K race yearly.

The Board, considering requests from amateur swimming fans, decided that quitting the circuits would make for a better, more historic marathon crossing (in addition to the saving of finances). Still, the event draws major international attention. Swimmers from Australia, Bulgaria, France, Germany and more come to compete in the race.

The marathon swim will begin July 29th, while the FINA 10K circuit swimmers will have to wait until August 8th for the next possible race. This is also scheduled to take place in Canada, but in Lake Megantic instead of Lake Magog.

Further information can be found in a release from the organizers [in French] here.

 

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