The Deutscher Schwimm-Verband (DSV), or the German Swimming Federation, has announced that the 2019 long course championships will take place from August 1st-4th, while the short course championships will be held from December 12th-15th. Both will take place at the Europasportpark in Berlin.
The 2019 German Championships in long course will take place, in fact, after the World Championships, which will be held from July 12th-28th in Gwangju, South Korea. Henning Lambertz, the head coach of the German Swimming National Team explains that the decision was not the result of a competitive preference.
“The scheduling is a desire of television and not mine as the national team head coach,” Lambertz lamented. “But if we want to appear and be heard on television more often, it will not work if we’re still on the road as lone fighters. It will only work if we cooperate with other sports such as gymnastics, triathlon, athletics, swimming, and cycling.”
Lambertz pointed out that they were afforded the flexibility because the meet is no longer actually a qualifying competition, instead relying upon a season-long qualifying.
He says that the country’s top swimmers are still committed to racing, just as they did last year at the Berlin stop of the FINA World Cup Series that came right after the Budapest World Championships. He also announced that it will be an “open” championship, with swimmers from other nations being invited.
Lambertz says that he does see positives coming from this decision. Specifically, it extends the summer season for many clubs to reduce the ‘offseason,’ and will increase exposure of athletes and their sponsors due to the increased media coverage.
“I am especially happy for our top athletes that something like this is happening,” Lambertz said. “An increased media presence will certainly improve their search for sponsors. In addition, all club and home coaches can prepare together for a long season and the top event. Training groups can align themselves with August. So far, the season was over for many after the (German Championships). As a result of the change, the summer break will not be so long. After the (German Championships), you can take a break for two weeks and then return to training for the next season. ”
If FINA repeats its pattern in the run-up to the Rio Olympic Games and other recent editions, the 2019 FINA World Cup Series could start immediately after the World Championships, and in long course, though FINA hasn’t announced that schedule yet.
Why a picture of Belmonte when she is spanish?
It’s Hentke it’s on her cap with a German flag