HANGZHOU, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- The world swimming governing body Fina announced on Thursday that the Fina Bureau approved the organization of a new and additional swimming event format, to debut in 2019: the "FINA Champions Swim Series".
It will consist of a three-leg competition, between March and May, aimed at Olympic and World medallists, in an innovative format aimed at creating a world-class platform for elite swimming and to develop a fresh focus on the highest-level athletes in FINA events.
The Series will comprise events of 50m, 100m and 200m in freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly (as well as the 400m free and 200m IM), in addition to four relay races. The program for the FINA Champions Swim Series events will include only finals, where the best four swimmers in each event will compete in individual races. The competition will be held in 50meter pools, and each leg will be contested over three days (Friday to Sunday).
The athletes' participation in this exclusive Series will be on an invitation-only basis, comprising the Olympic and world champion, the WR holder and the best in the world ranking in each event. These swimmers will receive both prize money and appearance fees to attend this prestigious event, and will have all their expenses (travel, accommodation and meals) covered. The FINA Champions Swim Series will provide a total of US$3.9 million in prize money.
Moreover, the participating swimmers will be grouped in teams - on a continental or sponsor basis, with each team comprising 24 athletes (12 men, 12 women).
"In its constant effort for innovation and providing new opportunities for the stars of our sport, FINA is very pleased to launch this new competition. It will complete in the best possible way our swimming calendar throughout the year: firstly, this Champions Swim Series; then, our World Championships; and finally our Swimming World Cup circuit, as the year progresses", considered FINA President Dr Julio C. Maglione.
