\n(Photo courtesy Kazan 2015)<\/p>\n
KAZAN, Russia, June 23. THE FINA world championships are more than a year away, but USA Swimming made sure all of the preparations are in order with a visit to Kazan last week.<\/p>\n
Jeri Marshburn, who will serve as manager for the USA Swimming team competing in the world championships next year, was part of the delegation that toured the facilities to be used for the event. Marshburn also told Swimming World that her mission in Kazan also included seccuring suitable accommodation for the Team USA delegation. It is believed the athletes will stay in the same dormitories that were used for last year’s World University Games.<\/p>\n
“The palace looks simply great,” delegation head Elizabeth Hazel told organizers last week. “You really have something to be proud of. The venue can host high-profile sporting events.”<\/p>\n
\n(Photo courtesy Kazan 2015)<\/p>\n
According to a report on the event’s website, kazan2015.com<\/a>, other purposes of the visit included getting details on the behind-the-scenes procedures that largely go unnoticed by spectators. This included doping control, communications, security, craft services and customs.<\/p>\n USA Swimming often visits the sites of its major competitions well in advance of the meet. In February, National Team Managing Director Lindsay Mintenko traveled to Australia<\/a> to finalize details before the Pan Pacific championships.<\/p>\n FINA officials, including President Julio Maglione, visited Kazan in March to conduct their own inspection of the facilities. That included a visit to the Kazan Arena Stadium, where temporary pools will be constructed for the swimming and synchronized swimming events.<\/p>\n Watch the video of FINA’s visit to Kazan below.<\/b><\/p>\n