With the new competition format for the FINA World Cup Series this year, USA Swimming has decided that instead of the European legs that we’ve seen the last few years, that they would send their special 18 & under squad to the Tokyo and Beijing stops of the series, which will be a trip running from November 6th-15th.
Tokyo: November 9-10
Beijing: November 13-14
Specifically, USA Swimming has announced their selection criteria for the meets. First and foremost, they must be a U.S.-eligible representative that is 18 & under as of September 3rd, 2013.
Up to 20 swimmers (10 men and 10 women) will be sent to the meet by USA Swimming from the 18 & under ranks. All eligible female swimmers who are ranked in the top 50 in the world, or males within the top 75 in the world, with a long course meters time between January 1, 2013 and September 2, 2013 will receive an invitation, with swimmers with the highest world rankings being offered the first option in the event that more than 10 men or women are ranked high enough to attend.
The team will assemble in San Francisco on November 6th before flying to Japan, then on to China, then returning home on November 15th:
San Francisco, CA Nov. 6 Assembly
Tokyo, Japan Nov. 9-10 Competition in Japan
Beijing, China Nov. 11 Travel to China
Beijing, China Nov. 13-14 Competition in China
Return to U.S. Nov 15
These meets have proven as a valuable tool for young swimmers seeking to gain experience, and maybe more importantly an exciting travel opportunity for talented young swimmers. Travelling to these meets during the school year can be difficult for junior swimmers, especially with having to take 9 days off of school, but there are already many swimmers eligible for this opportunity, including the likes of Becca Mann, Simone Manuel, Caeleb Dressel, and as of now names like Jonathan Roberts.
With a very fast Junior National Championship meet going on, the Americans could have their fullest squad of juniors yet since they started sending these developmental teams to the meet.
All invited athletes will have expenses paid for by USA Swimming.
If you are on the national team are you aloud to attend this meet? Like Katie Mcglaughlin, Katie Ledecky, and Simone Manuel?
I really like these opportunities that USA swimming is providing for development and travel. It just seems challenging every year to attend these and other great meets but also keep up with time missed in school for the swimmers. I guess that is part of the sport.
Anyone know why not all USA swimmers (primarily 15-16s) don’t show up on the Fina World lists?