Back From Fina World's in Riccione

I am intereseted in how the meet went. Anyone do the open water? How was it run? I was wondering if it was run in 'heats' with staggered starts? How was the timing? Did you wear timing chips? Judging by the closeness of times I was also wondering about drafting which I would imagine, given the numbers, would have been hard to avoid.

I had a great time meeting everyone in Riccione. I don't even know if I met Connie or not! I met so many people. In answer to 2go+h20's questions about the open water race: Yes, it was run in heats of about 50 athletes, divided by sex and age category. First were the youngest men, starting at 8:45. The heats started every 15-minutes. The start lists were published a few days before the race, with the start times for each wave. The waves were started in a timely manner - in fact, being a female 40-44 my wave was to start at 1:15pm, and that's exactly when it started. We were asked to present ourselves an hour before our wave was to leave. Our names were called, then we entered an area where our numbers were assigned (the numbers were already on the start-list), and written on our shoulders. We were also given a cap with our numbers. Timing chips were NOT used. I don't know anything about drafting. I was all alone out there! Maybe someone more "competitive" can tell you about that! I CAN tell you that I had a great time, and am very proud of myself for having participated. CIAO FROM FLORENCE! Maryyyy

Hi to everyone! I came to Riccione for my first World Championship (it's the first year as master for me) and i am very happy about this meeting. I met many people and one of your forum (i don't remember her nick, sorry). It's fantastic the interaction beetween all people. I'am intresting to know what your opipion is about this event See you soon P.S. Hi Maryyyy, ci si vede a Chianciano???

I'm just back from Italy, also jetlagged. My overall impression was good of the FINA event in Italy. The biggest constructive critizisms are: 1. No or little enforcement by Marshall in warm-up or in the warmup/warmdown pools (which wer e rather small). 2. Chaos in the "calling room" in the 50 events. 3. My registration was mailled into them 6-weeks before the deadline with all the documentation. I got my confirmation 4 days before the meet and they registered me as a swimmer from Great Britian despite the USMS registration and USA passport. I did not get this resolved at the meet, so my results are probably under GBR and NOT USA. 4. The indoor facility was good, but no good temperature control. If you swam in the morning it was okay, but by afternoon it was too hot. The outdoor pool was great and I swam well in it no matter the time of day. Touring in Italy was great. My partner and I went on a day trip to San Marino and Venice, both were worth recommending to others. We also visted the west coast small villiages (Cinque Terra) and into the Dolomite to hike. Great Trip. Anthony Thompson, MOVY LMSC Chair USA (not GBR).