FINA has approved time standards and events for the 2015 World Masters’ Championships that will be held from August 10th through 16th in Kazan, Russia.
This meet will be unique in that it’s a shift of this event from even-numbered to odd-numbered years for a very specific reason: because it coincides with the World Aquatics Championships and will use the same facility as the year’s premier swimming event.
The times for this year’s championships seem to have gotten, overall, significantly slower than what they were in Montreal in 2014. While FINA has not made any public statement to the effect, this is likely an effort to encourage participation both in a host city that will be a tough-sell for much of the world given the current political climate, and in an attempt to attract more swimmers (and fill a bigger venue) just one year after the last event.
For example, the 25-29 women’s 50 free standard this year is 34.00, slower than the 32.50 that it was in 2014. The men’s 40-44 100 breast went from a 1:29.00 to 1:32.50.
Clicking on “View this year’s time standards here.” just results in “Page not found!”
What is national qualify times for 50-55 mens lcm.thanks
Kazan is NOT on my bucket list. At least hold the meet in St Petersburg or
Moscow which would be worth visiting.
Dollar is strong in Russia now should be a cheap meet whoever goes.
Medellin could be a surprisingly good meet. Look for S American swimmers to come charging. It has been a few decades since Pablo Escobar was running things here. Columbia has cleaned up its act and Medellin is now a progressive modern city. Still be careful it is Latin America and FARC still exists down here. Kidnapping threat still exists so stay close to the pool they probably won’t jump in after you- if they do you can outswim them.
Masters Worlds is a huge meet and I don’t think there are tons of host candidates lining up to take it on. Logistically having it coupled with “regular” Worlds makes sense. That said I’m not thrilled about it being in Russia. I’m passing on it this time.
i don’t like the decision to follow where Worlds will be. I think Masters should choose much more vacation based destination. Or have it somewhere cheap to get to from North America and make the cuts faster for a more competitive meet. I think that’s been the appeal of SC Nationals over the years. That and the outdoors aspect. I’d love more outdoor long course meets for Masters.
Judging by past Masters world championships results, qualifying times are merely aspirational.
As for great locations for a masters LCM meet in 2015, the pickings are slim. Come to the Southwest Zone meet at Mission Viejo for great competition and a storied pool.
If that meet is open to any LMSC, I just might.
Absolutely. Check back at http://www.spma.net for meet info as the summer approaches.
Those are not strong qualifying times at all. I’m guessing they want ANYONE with hard currency to come. As to the political climate, and why anyone would go to Russia, I paraphrase WC Fields: “First prize, a weekend in Kazan. Second prize, a week in Kazan! Third prize, TWO WEEKS IN KAZAN!”
On a similar note, in discussing travel hotspots, Masters Pan Ams LCM is in Medellin, Colombia.
Finally, USMS LCM Nationals are at the Spire Institute. I can’t imagine the sight-seeing and cultural opportunities there.
What a bust for summer LCM meets, in my last year in this age group.
Come to NE Ohio for USMS Summer Nationals. Our attractions are more low key, but we’ll show you a good time. And the SPIRE pool is very fast–it’s going to be a good meet.