USOA is member of USOC. In newest USOC magazine, there is a major article on Open Water Swimming. Now since 1986 CMAS has been trying to get 'on the program' with fin swimming, but this new sport is Open Water Swimming - looks to be no fins and in river, lake, even ocean. It is a 10 K race (for both men and women) , and it is 'on the program' in Beijing 2008, under the auspices of FINA or world swimming federation.

Evidently there was open water swimming at 1900, 1904 and 1908 and some other early Games. History has it held in the ocean, River Seine and a lake near St Louis MO. Good times are in the 1 hour range. Open Water world championships will be held in Seville Spain in late April 2008 to serve as selection meet.

This announcement looks ominous for fin swimming entry into Olympics.

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Carol Rose