World Swimming Association?

Check your glasses. He wasn't commenting on Steve's contributions to open water swimming. He said he found it interesting that someone on the FINA techincal committee would be so openly grateful to FINA. There are 14 members from 14 different countries on the FINA Technical Open Water Swimming Committee. Each of these individuals has his or her own opinions and visions on how open water swimming at the FINA level should operate. As with anything with 14 different individuals who have different native languages and come from different cultures, we do not agree on everything. But we do carefully discuss these issues and take votes on the issues. It is a democratic process that I think every American is brought up to believe in. In the same way that I support FINA's efforts and role in the sport, I support USMS and USA Swimming's efforts and role in the sport. Like many (most?) others who get involved in open water swimming, we did not lobby for these volunteer positions, but we were asked to play a role. We do not earn any money, although our economy-fare airline tickets and hotel rooms (which are the same that the athletes stay in) are paid for. Like the athletes, our meals are also paid for during the competitions. Does this mean that any individual's vote, opinions or positions on specific issues are the same as FINA or the other member of the committee? No. Individuals have their differences. Each of the technical committees (for water polo, synchronized swimming, diving, swimming and open water swimming) provides its recommendations to the FINA Bureau. These technical committees are comprised of volunteers who know the sport well and are passionate about its success and positive growth. These recommendations are then presented to the FINA Bureau by a FINA Liaison (an individual who also sits on each committee) for a vote. After a formal vote, the matter is then decided. The Americans who preceded me on this committee - Sid Cassidy and Dale Petranech - did wonderful things for the sport and all of their colleagues, from Penny Dean to Rick Walker and many others, have left huge shoes to fill. It is my hope that I am carrying on their tradition and I look forward to the next group of volunteers who will carry on the tradition.

Check your glasses. He wasn't commenting on Steve's contributions to open water swimming. He said he found it interesting that someone on the FINA techincal committee would be so openly grateful to FINA. There are 14 members from 14 different countries on the FINA Technical Open Water Swimming Committee. Each of these individuals has his or her own opinions and visions on how open water swimming at the FINA level should operate. As with anything with 14 different individuals who have different native languages and come from different cultures, we do not agree on everything. But we do carefully discuss these issues and take votes on the issues. It is a democratic process that I think every American is brought up to believe in. In the same way that I support FINA's efforts and role in the sport, I support USMS and USA Swimming's efforts and role in the sport. Like many (most?) others who get involved in open water swimming, we did not lobby for these volunteer positions, but we were asked to play a role. We do not earn any money, although our economy-fare airline tickets and hotel rooms (which are the same that the athletes stay in) are paid for. Like the athletes, our meals are also paid for during the competitions. Does this mean that any individual's vote, opinions or positions on specific issues are the same as FINA or the other member of the committee? No. Individuals have their differences. Each of the technical committees (for water polo, synchronized swimming, diving, swimming and open water swimming) provides its recommendations to the FINA Bureau. These technical committees are comprised of volunteers who know the sport well and are passionate about its success and positive growth. These recommendations are then presented to the FINA Bureau by a FINA Liaison (an individual who also sits on each committee) for a vote. After a formal vote, the matter is then decided. The Americans who preceded me on this committee - Sid Cassidy and Dale Petranech - did wonderful things for the sport and all of their colleagues, from Penny Dean to Rick Walker and many others, have left huge shoes to fill. It is my hope that I am carrying on their tradition and I look forward to the next group of volunteers who will carry on the tradition.