2nd FINA World Junior Open Water Championships

July 25th, 2014 the news broke that the 2nd annual FINA World Junior Open Water Championships that were set to be held in Eliat Israel were all of a sudden CANCELLED due to the continued violence and uncertain conditions of areas in Israel and surrounding areas.

If you know me really well, then you know exactly where I stand on open water swimming and what I think about it or not think about the "sport". But that's a totally different matter and maybe one day a blog topic, for now I'll just stick to the facts at hand.

Now I'll be completely honest, FINA you made the right decision!!!!!!!!!!!! I mean no swimmer needs to be sent to a war zone, I'm sorry. No matter how much security team Canada or any other country puts in place for athletes, I hate to break it but that doesn't protect people from rockets being launched from above...

My understanding is FINA has since moved the Championships to Lake Balaton, Hungary with dates set for September 5-7, 2014. This still has to be approved but as it stands this is the new location and date that has been set.

What I don't really understand is, FINA could have saved a lot of trouble and running around by placing this Championship event in conjunction with Jr. Pan Pacs that are set to take place August 27-31, 2014 in Maui. To me this just makes perfect sense, you have the Pool team and the Open water team together for the staging camp and there respective Championships. And even though I've never been to Maui before it sure looks a hell of a lot nicer then Hungary or Israel do! In my eyes this idea would make perfect sense, but it's not up to me, it's up to "the big dogs" to make the appropriate call and I respect that having known swimmers who are taking part in this race.

So to all those athletes taking part in this Open Water Championships, wherever it takes place, no matter anything, remember your representing something much larger then yourself and your own personal goals! Your representing Canada the greatest country on earth, so go swim your heart out, have a blast, learn from the experience, and make ever lasting memories!!!!

That's all for today have a fantastic Wednesday. (HUMP DAY)