Record entry for World Swimming Championships

One hundred and forty four countries ave so far entered to participate in the 11th FINA World Swimming Championships which takes places in Montreal, Canada from July 16 to 31. In much of meeting the Olympic Ideals that calls for participation with less emphasis on winning, Africa, considered not a major force in the sport excepting South Africa, has 24 countries, including Nigeria that have sent in enttries as at May 25.

By the same token, the Americas, led by world power the United States and host Canada, has 32 countries entered and Oceania, led by Australia having the least eight countries entered.

Furthermore, Europe, which is expected to battle the Americas and Australia for the top positions, has the highest entry of 45 nations while Asia follows in second place with the highest number of entries with 36.

Five water sports will feature in the championships namely water polo, swimming, diving, sunchronised swimming and open water swimming.

Prior to the July 16 opening date, there will be the FINA Technical officials congresses for water polo and synchronised swimming while those of diving and open water swimming will hold the next day 15th.

The technical congress for swimming holds on July 21 while the general congress of the federation takes place the next day July 22.

By Chinenye Nwankwo