The College Swimming & Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) National Collegiate Open Water Swimming Championship used to be held annually in Lawrence, Kansas hosted by the University of Kansas, but recently moved to Miami in 2022. The first event in Florida went off with a successful bang.

In 2023, in contrast, there was a big bummer.

The 2023 Championship had to be cancelled due to the unexpected and dangerous weather conditions made the event impossible to be held. “We were deeply disappointed to cancel last year’s championship, as we know how much it means to the athletes, coaches, and fans,” said Samantha Barany, CSCAA Executive Director. “The safety of our participants is always our top priority, and this decision, while regrettable, was necessary given the circumstances.”

But the 2024 event looks to be on schedule, although the venue is expected to be overcast with chances of rains and stiff winds.

Supported and hosted by Florida International University (FIU) once again, 105 collegiate men and 125 collegiate women from 41 institutions across the nation will line up at the start of the 2024 event on December 15th in the waters of Biscayne Bay.

The men’s 5 km ace will start tomorrow at 8:00 am EST, followed by the women’s 5 km race at 10:00 am EST.

“As open water continues to be a growing and exciting sport, we are eager to give many of these collegiate swimmers an opportunity to showcase their endurance or test the open waters for the first time,” said Barany.

The top five finishers for each gender earn spots at the USA Swimming 5K Open Water Championships.

World Aquatics Technical Open Water Swimming Committee chairman Sid Cassidy will be on the race course.

© 2024 Daily News of Open Water Swimming

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