The world’s swimming elite is gathering in Indianapolis (USA) for the ultimate leg of the inaugural FINA Champions Swim Series 2019.
Training has started at the Indiana University (IU) Natatorium as 50 swimmers (15 nationalities) will be racing over two days (May 31 – June 1) in an innovative format composed of four-swimmers only finals and two mixed relays. Schedule available here
50m fly World Record holder Andrii Govorov of Ukraine, was one of the first ones testing the warm-up pool today (Wednesday May 29). FINA met with this young champion who set a new World Record in the men’s 50m fly in July 2018 at the Sette Colli Trophy in Rome (ITA), clocking a time of 22.27.
After racing in Guangzhou (CHN) and Budapest (HUN), the new butterfly sensation, just 27, who has been training in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, since January 2019, expressed his excitement towards the new competition on the eve of the final Series’ meet kick-off.
“Honestly I am really happy that we have this new FINA Champions Swim Series because it is really the next level right now. It shows a big respect for high level athletes and I experienced really good competition in four lanes. It really was entertaining for people.”
“Of course there is always room for improvement but I think now FINA is listening to the athletes and we are going to make the Series even better for the next season.”
Govorov is particularly enthusiast about the original format of the competition:
“The new format makes swimming more valuable, four lanes definitely make the show more attractive for TV than eight. I think the format should even be adapted for the World Championships: semi-finals, top 8 and top 4 finals.”
“As a swimmer you are putting your goals higher for the season. You are going to race against either a World Record holder or a top seed in of the world ranking, or a World champion. Whatever time you clock, your achievement is better. It gives you more value as an athlete too. Overall I really like it.”
Admitting that the additional financial opportunity is welcome, he said:
“Obviously all of this coupled with the opportunity to make more money makes us very happy and more involved and committed in the process.”
The sports presentation has been highly enhanced for the launch of the FINA Champions Swim Series. The Ukrainian law student noticed it:
“In Budapest, I saw a really nice new way of presenting the athletes’ entrance. The video background was great and the show was phenomenal.”
“I am not really into watching swimming you know? I prefer to swim!” he added laughing.
The young Ukrainian athletes will try to integrate one of the two very coveted relays.
“In Indianapolis I would like to take part in the relay because the mix of nationalities makes the team events even more attractive and fun for us and the spectators.”
Looking ahead at the upcoming seasons, Govorov said:
“Of course it is a lot of work and we always need to look at what is working well and what is not efficient to adapt for next time.”
“I can tell that this first season of the Champions Swim Series has been a surprise for most of us. It needs to be a more stable and regular competition. It also needs to fit with the Nationals schedule of each country to avoid disrupting the athletes’ training programme and preparation. For me all my races were available here so it is the best preparation I can ask for.”
Govorov concluded by saying that his goal for the FINA World Championships in Gwangju, Korea, is to always be the best.
“I want to make my best time again, and beat my World Record.”
“I would like to add that all this new structure and what FINA is building up can really bring swimming to a more competitive level. Swimming has such a big potential. It is the most popular and viewed sport in the Olympics, why not take advantage of this and make it more attractive? I really think we are going in the right direction.”
Govorov entered two races in Indianapolis: He will swim the 50m fly on Friday and the 100m fly on Saturday.
You can watch all the races Live Streamed on FINAtv.