Adam Peaty Pulls out of FINA Champion Series

Adam Peaty has decided not to compete in the FINA Champion Series.

The British Olympic champion announced his decision on social media.

“I have decided not to participate in FINA’s new Champion Series due to focussing my preparation on the World Championships and beyond. However, it’s definitely a step in the right direction for the sport,” Peaty wrote.

I have decided not to participate in FINA’s new Champion Series due to focussing my preparation on the World Championships and beyond. However, it’s definitely a step in the right direction for the sport. pic.twitter.com/YKiJXCiOgY

— Adam Peaty MBE (@adam_peaty) February 13, 2019

Peaty has been a supporter of the upstart International Swimming League and has been critical of FINA in the past.

FINA’s Champion Series was created after many stars were deciding to skip FINA-sanctioned meets to join ISL meets.

The Series will debut in 2019 and “will consist of a three-leg competition, between March and May, aimed at Olympic and World medallists, in an innovative format aimed at creating a world-class platform for elite swimming and to develop a fresh focus on the highest-level athletes in FINA events.”

The Series will be an exceptional showcase for the sport and its top swimmers, that combines pure competition, together with innovative sports presentation and entertainment. It will comprise events of 50m, 100m and 200m in freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly (as well as the 400m free and 200m IM), in addition to four relay races. The program for the FINA Champions Swim Series events will include only finals, where the best four swimmers in each event will compete in individual races. The competition will be held in 50 meter pools, and each leg will be contested over three days (Friday to Sunday).

The athletes’ participation in this exclusive Series will be on an invitation-only basis, comprising the Olympic and World champion, the WR holder and the best in the world ranking in each event. These swimmers will receive both prize money and appearance fees to attend this prestigious event, and will have all their expenses (travel, accommodation and meals) covered.

Moreover, the participating swimmers will be grouped in teams – on a continental or sponsor basis, with each team comprising 24 athletes (12 men, 12 women).

The FINA Champions Series will be held in three cities around the world.

• Guangzhao, CHN– April 27-28
• Budapest, HUN– May 11-12
• Indianapolis, USA– May 31-June 1