There’s no actual new information in this post, rather we’ve been asked a few times for clarification on a certain subject relating to the World University Games, so we thought that we’d write a cited article on the subject so that everyone would know.
According to the selection procedures for the 2013 World University Games, members of the team who qualify for the 2013 U.S. World Championship Team will not be replaced, nor will they be allowed to swim both the World Championships and the World University Games, unless otherwise agreed to in writing. Further, a swimmer cannot decline a spot on the World Championships team and remain on the World University Games team, again without special permission (it’s unlikely someone would ask to do this, but if it weren’t a possibility, the rule wouldn’t exist.)
(Note the exception is that swimmers who are selected for relays only for the World Championships can swim both meets, though it seems unlikely that there will be any conflicts in the 100 and 200 freestyles, the only events that this would apply to.)
The full text of the rules are below, including declaration that May 31st was the deadline to alter the team:
E. To ensure that USA Swimming selects the best possible team for the most important FINA event of the year, the World Championships, all swimmers who qualify for the 2013 World Championship Team, regardless of whether such swimmer elects to accept the invitation to participate on that team, will not be selected to the 2013 World University Games Team, unless otherwise agreed in writing by USA Swimming.
A. Filling Vacant Team Position. If, for any reason, a position on the Team shall become vacant between the selection of the Team and May 31, 2013, such vacancy shall be filled as follows, provided, however, that nothing in this Section I.5 shall have the effect of bumping off the Team a swimmer who has already been selected to the Team (and who has not otherwise been removed from the Team)
The full roster of invited swimmers can be seen here.
In a wholly subjective fashion, here’s the top 10 swimmers (in order) we think are most likely to be moved up to the World Championship team, and in which events:
- Kevin Cordes (50/100/200 breast)
- Mike Alexandrov (50/100 breast)
- Megan Romano (400/800 free relay)
- Laura Sogar (200 breast)
- Kelsey Floyd (100/200 fly)
- Jasmine Tosky (200 fly/800 free relay)
- Eugene Godsoe (50/100 back)
- Michael McBroom (800/1500 free)
- Jack Conger (50/100 back, 50/100 fly,400 free relay)
- Kendyl Stewart (200 back)
Braden- quick question: are the stroke 50’s going to be contested in Indianapolis or will the swimmers qualified for the stroke 100’s have the option to swim the 50 of their stroke also?
The 50’s will be contested, and presuming there’s enough roster spots left, will be used for selection. The 50’s are in priority AHEAD of relay alternates, so that’s something important to keep in mind (no guarantees that top 6 in the 100/200 frees will go for sure.)
More here:
http://swimswam.com/usa-swimming-releases-2013-world-championship-selection-procedures/
Just saying– they were asked to submit everything needed for visa application back in March. Seems odd to ask them to jump through all those hoops if they have no intention of sending them.
As I stated in a previous post, the primary reason for not pulling alternates for WUG’s is the time it takes to get a Visa from the Russian embassy. By the time our World Champs team is selected, there would not be enough time to get the Visa’s for them to compete in Russia
Don’t forget about open water also. I know on the men’s side you have Sean Ryan, Andrew Gemmell and Jordan Wilimovsky going to World Champs
Swim – it appears as though the two teams are being considered separately, because even after Worlds open water swimmers were chosen, they were left on the WUG’s pool roster.
USA swimming did contact potential alternates for WUGs and ask them to accept the invitation to be an alternate. They had to submit all requisite paperwork to be ready to travel to Kazan. Sounds like they are planning to take alternates.
They really should give the new people a chance to compete internationally. It is very likely, in my opinion some of these people mentioned, expecially, Cordes and Romano will make the WC team. It is a waste if you are already counting on to pay for them then dont take a replacement.
So in effect athletes that could compete in both are not able to unless excepted in writing, thus limiting their international opportunities to compete. And, USA is not going to afford other athletes an opportunity to gain international experience in instances where some WUG team members qualify for World Champs roster.
Yup, sounds like USA Swimming again. So much for athletes first advocacy.
I don’t know what the Brains at USA swimming are thinking but I’d love to know. Your senario is dead on and that will come into play. Too bad for those “bubble” swimmers…..sucks!