Is there a reason that makes sense? No. But because women are weaker (riiiiiiight) they can't swim a 1500 (riiiiiight). And because Men are stronger they can, but there's no reason to have 2 distance races since the 800 is pratically the same as the 1500, so women swim the 800, men swim the 1500.
There you go. That's about the only reason I can think of.
Has the IOC or whatever the appropriate governing body is ever provided an explanation?
Is there a reason that makes sense? No. But because women are weaker (riiiiiiight) they can't swim a 1500 (riiiiiight). And because Men are stronger they can, but there's no reason to have 2 distance races since the 800 is pratically the same as the 1500, so women swim the 800, men swim the 1500.
There you go. That's about the only reason I can think of.
Has the IOC or whatever the appropriate governing body is ever provided an explanation?
