USA Swimming Withdraws Its Four Swimmers From 10K at World University Games

Photo Courtesy: Cathleen Pruden

Due to expected high air and water temperatures on race day, USA Swimming, the athletes and coaches came to a consensus that the four Americans scheduled to swim in the August 27 10-kilometer open water event at the 2017 World University Games in Taipei will not compete given the likely conditions.

USA Swimming would like to thank FISU and the local organizing committee for their diligent work on developing an excellent course and safety plan for the event.

As a sport, open water swimming presents a number of variables, including, in this instance, weather and water temperature. The safety of its athletes is USA Swimming’s No. 1 priority, and this decision was made after thorough examination of all available information.

The four swimmers who qualified for the World University Games – Katy Campbell, Becca Mann, Taylor Abbott and David Heron – earned the right to represent Team USA on the international stage based on their performances at the 2017 Open Water National Championships, and USA Swimming will examine future international competitive opportunities for these athletes.

The above press release courtesy of USA Swimming

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Michelle P Nicholos

6 years ago

The swimming community should never forget the tragic death of USA Open Water swimmer Fran Crippen, who died in 2010 during an Open Water competition due to excessively warm water temperatures.

Matt Seadog

6 years ago

Reply to Michelle P Nicholos

He died due to terrible lifeguarding

Carole Machol-Atler

6 years ago

Reply to Michelle P Nicholos

More like water conditions

Michelle P Nicholos

6 years ago

Reply to Michelle P Nicholos

If it were terrible lifeguarding, why didn’t we hear more about investigations, law suits, etc…

Carole Machol-Atler

6 years ago

Reply to Michelle P Nicholos

Michelle P Nicholos partly because it was in another country

Jennifer Jensen Treat

6 years ago

Always safety first. Thanks USA swimming to taking care of our athletes!

David Whelchel

6 years ago

That’s a shame. But yes, the safety of the athletes is always first!

Go Team USA!

Michael Pollock

6 years ago

How hot will the water/air temperature be?

Michelle P Nicholos

6 years ago

Reply to Michael Pollock

Yesterday was 84, today is 82

Michael Pollock

6 years ago

Reply to Michael Pollock

Michelle P Nicholos Well I can see that 84 for 10K plus air temp could be a might too warm.

Michelle P Nicholos

6 years ago

FINA rule 60.8 degree F to 87.8 degree F

Mike McHenry

6 years ago

Reply to Michelle P Nicholos

The top end of that needs to be lowered quite a bit.

Maricela Loaiza

6 years ago

safety first

Clayton Jimmie

6 years ago

Sash Corris-Nordengen

Golda Marcus

6 years ago

I knew Fran Crippen. Our colleges competed with each other. He was one of the greatest distance swimmers/open water swimmers of his time, but moreover, he was a good person. We don’t need to lose any more athletes due to high water temperature, or even poor water conditions. So thank you USA swimming for doing the right thing

Michelle P Nicholos

6 years ago

Reply to Golda Marcus

“a good person” when I look at our swim team – thats what I see – character, and “good kids”…. it seems the strength, physical and mental, that swimming requires brings out the best in these athletes…. makes my heart happy to hear about Fran – thanks for sharing!!

Matt Seadog

6 years ago

If FINA could supply actual open water/ocean lifeguards with real rescue experience (bondi AUS, LA county, Jones Beach, Honolulu, etc) everyone would be a lot safer. The tragedy a few years back was 100% preventable.