It is often said that the sport of open water swimming is between 10-25 years behind the sport of triathlon in terms of corporate sponsorship, media exposure, sport publications, online communities and athlete sponsorship.

If that is the case, then we can look forward to the American open water swimming championships to be televised sometime in the decade of 2020 or 2030 since CBS Sports Network will televise the 2011 USA Triathlon Collegiate National Championship on April 29th with a re-broadcast in May.

Of course, countries like England where corporate sponsorship, media exposure, sports publications, online communities and athlete sponsorship is alive and well in the open water swimming world, the future is now.

“We are delighted that CBS Sports Network will televise the 2011 USA Triathlon Collegiate National Championship for all college sports fans,” said Chuck Menke, USA Triathlon Director of Marketing and Communications. “The school spirit on display at this event is unparalleled in endurance sports, and we look forward to showcasing our sport and the excitement of the USA Triathlon Collegiate Nationals.” Nearly 1,200 athletes from more than 120 institutions are scheduled to compete next to the University of Alabama’s campus at the 1.5K swim, 40K bike and 10K run event. Colorado is the defending team champion, while Army and Navy placed second and third, respectively, in 2010.

While the future is now in England, we look forward to the future in the United States when a collegiate, age-group and masters swimming open water swimming national championship event will be televised – in whatever format is available in the 2020’s or 2030’s.

Photo of John Kenny, a pro marathon swimmer turned multi-sport athlete.

Copyright © 2011 by World Open Water Swimming Association