Courtesy: USA Deaf Swimming
USA Deaf Swimming is recruiting athletes to represent the United States at the upcoming Deaflympics, which will be held from November 15 to 26, 2025, in Tokyo, Japan.
The Deaflympics, the longest-running multi-sport event in history after the Olympics, began in Paris in 1924 as the “International Silent Games.” The games have been held every four years since then, except for a break during World War II. They were renamed the “World Games for the Deaf” and then the “Deaflympics” in 2001, after receiving official recognition from the International Olympic Committee.
To be eligible for Team USA, athletes must have more than a 55 dB hearing loss in both ears, meet qualifying times in their long course meter events, and be over 12 years old. Prior international competition experience is not required.
How to Apply:
- Check Your Eligibility: Ensure you have a hearing loss of more than 55 dB in both ears.
- Prepare Your Qualifying Times: Secure at least one qualifying time in your preferred events. Qualifying times will be posted soon.
- Submit Your Application: Visit www.deafswim.org to access the application form and submit your details along with your qualifying times.
Important Dates – Team USA will be selected 9-12 months before the competition, so now is the time to get involved. Take advantage of this opportunity to be part of Team USA and showcase the incredible talent of deaf and hard-of-hearing swimmers on the world stage.
For more information and to apply, visit www.deafswim.org.
How do they start? (Instead of take your mark and then the beep).