14th FINA World Swimming Championships

The 14th FINA World Championships in Shanghai has commenced with New Zealand sending representatives in all bar one of the 5 aquatic disciplines. For some, this competition is the first Qualifying event for the 2012 Olympic Games. Combined with this, and the fact that the World Championships are the most prestigious event on the calendar behind the Olympic Games, most of the best athletes in the world are here vying for the title of World Champion.

The Women’s Water Polo team had a strong start to their campaign beating Uzbekistan 19 – 6 before being defeated by Australia 12 – 4. Their third preliminary match will be against the strong Canadian team.

Kirstin and Caitlin Anderson have finished their synchronised swimming competition where the world powerhouses of Russia, China and Spain dominated the medals. Kirstin competed in the Technical Solo and Solo events and combined with Caitlin in the Technical Duets and Duets.

In the 10 km Open Water Swimming competition on Tuesday Cara Baker finished a credible 22nd in strong field of 56 competitors.

Chinese divers have totally dominated all events, taking gold in the four Synchronised diving events and gold and silver in each of the Men’s and Women’s 1 metre finals. Australia and Germany are amongst six countries who, by taking out the minor medals in the Synchronised events have also earned their federation places for the Olympic Games.

Swimming competition begins on July 24...... go the Kiwis!

Click here to view see the schedule and results.