Rocio Mora from Costa Rica won the Swimmer From A New Country Award from the Channel Swimming Association for his 11 hour 4 minute crossing of the English Channel on June 23 2022.
But sometimes (many times), the simple question, “Where are you from?” in the open water swimming world is not as easy a question as it first appears.
While many swimmers strive to be the first to achieve something, the question, “Where are you from”, can be answered many different ways – especially for Americans.
- Is it where you were born?
- Is it the country where you hold your passport?
- What if you have more than one passport?
- What if you changed citizenship?
- Is it the country (or state or province or prefecture or region) where you were raised?
- Is it the country (or state or province or prefecture or region) where you were studied in college?
- What if you went to more than one university (or high school) in different areas?
- Is it the country (or state or province or prefecture or region) where you were currently work or live?
- What if you live in a different area where you work? What happens when you cross a border (country or state or province or prefecture or region) to go to work or go home?
- Is it the country (or state or province or prefecture or region) where you used to work or live?
It can get very complicated.
For example, Anastasiia Kirpichnikova (@nasta.kirpichnikova, shown above) represented Russia placing 8th in the 800m freestyle and 15th in the 10 km marathon swim at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games – and won a silver medal in the 1500m freestyle and qualified 8th in the 800m freestyle this week at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Similarly, Eva Fabian used to represent the USA in open water swimming and now she is a representative of Israel. These examples abound.
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The Ireland Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame has a unique definition….it is possible NEVER to have set foot on the island and many citizen of the Republic of Ireland received these based on parentage….read below
Eligibility
All swimmers and contributors must have lived in Ireland for the years of meritorious involvement in the sport or be Republic of Ireland citizens (regardless of domicile) or be UK Citizens who spent most of their youth in Ireland. All current Honourees of the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame who meet this requirement will automatically be included in the Ireland Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame.
For swimmers, their record of solo swims of 10k of more in natural open water is considered. The rules and costume regulations in place by the local accreditation bodies must be met. For famous marathon swims this mean togs – however some elite swims (like FINA races) allow/require wetsuits. For new and innovative marathon swims other rules and costume regulations will be noted and allowed on nominations. Relay swims will not be considered.
For contributors this can include administrators, coaches, crew, media, organisations, pilots, sponsors, volunteers, etc. The key consideration is making a real contribution/difference to the sport.
Where are you from is a perennial question for military brats….