Swimming Canada, FINA and the Traversée Internationale du lac St-Jean have truly rolled out the red carpet to the athletes, coaches and officials at the 2010 World Open Water Swimming Championships in what is undoubtedly the ‘capitale mondiale de nage en eau libre’ (world capital of open water swimming).
their warm hospitality and attention to detail has been obvious to everyone involved in the world championships.
In a speech to local swimmers after his bronze-medal performance in the 5K race, Fran Crippen said, “The thing that I remember is not necessarily the races that I have done over the years, but the friendships that I make and the people who I meet around the world. It has been wonderful here in Roberval. The friends you make in swimming will last you a lifetime.”
Those obvious, but profound, words certainly ring true throughout the world of open water swimming.
Photo by Steeve Tremblay of Le Quotidien showing hosts Pierre Lafontaine of Swimming Canada, Dr. Julio Maglione, President of FINA, and Benoit Amyot of Roberval 2010.
Copyright © 2010 by Steven Munatones