In a public address in FINA’s Aquatics World Magazine, FINA President Julio Maglione spoke of the world of aquatics.
“…the competition in the FINA sports (pool swimming, diving, water polo, synchronised swimming and open water swimming) is more interesting than ever, with an increasing number of nations capable of shining at the highest level. This brings more visibility and popularity to the aquatic disciplines and considerably raises the media coverage of our major competitions and great stars.”
During 2012, the stars were many and bright. From the Olympic medalists to the thousands of athletes over the age of 50 swimming to their potential, the sport is indeed more interesting than ever.
Standing onshore after an open water swim, the self-satisfaction was never more evident on millions of faces than in 2012.
Their smiles are genuine and brilliant. Their eyes shine with sincere gratitude aimed at their coaches, supporters and rivals who pushed them to greatness. Their sincerity is a joy to witness as their goggle marks remain deeply etched around their eyes and lanolin lingered on their necks. Online and among friends, swimmers’ descriptions of their own swims are colorful and fascinating. Epic, brilliant, outstanding are some of the adjectives they use. Their recollections of their swims are frequently humorous and profound, and nearly always humble and respectful of the elements and their fellow competitors.
Simply put, open water swimmers – young and old, newbies and veterans – present themselves very well as personable, friendly ambassadors of the sport.
Listen to channel swimmers quietly yet confidently describe their thoughts and physical exertion during a swim among their fellow swimmers. Those same words are even more profound, colorful and impactful among non-swimmers in a corporate setting, motivational speech or at a school. Without a selfish or conceited need to puff out their chests, their words easily generate a roomful of inspiration and respect.
To all those who venture past the shorelines, their smiles indeed light up the shores.
Photo shows Ashley Twichell standing on the shores of Copacabana Beach.
Copyright © 2012 by Open Water Source