After an extraordinarily tough competition at the FINA World Championships in Shanghai, most of the world’s elite open water swimmers have arrived in London for the 2011 London 10km Marathon Swimming International. Swimmers and coaches will be able to check the logistics and course layout of the Olympic 10K Marathon Swim.

The event will take place in the Serpentine Lake in Hyde Park in central London on August 13th with the women’s competition starting at 10 am and the men scheduled to start at 2 pm. The water temperature is anticipated to be a comfortable 19.5°C (67°F).

This morning race organizers, along with FINA officials, welcomed the coaches in the technical meeting. They called for feedback on all aspects of the organization and race. The athletes are very excited but calm, if not tired, after a strenuous competition in China.

It appears London is going to “nail it” with these games. The organizers are very well-prepared one year out and will undoubtedly be fine-tuning leading up to competition. [Read More…]