On October 6, Chinese athlete Wu Shutong won the gold medal in the women's 10-kilometer marathon swimming competition at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou.

What is marathon swimming?

Marathon swimming is any open water race over a distance of 10 kilometers. Open water swimming refers to events other than 10 kilometers, such as 5 kilometers, 25 kilometers, etc., that are conducted in rivers, lakes, oceans or waterways.

The competition should be held in saltwater or freshwater waters with slow currents and small waves. Proof of water cleanliness and personal safety factors in the water must be provided. The water depth at any location on the course is no less than 1.4 meters, and the water temperature is as low as 16°C and as high as 31°C. The athlete with the shortest time wins.

Any swimming style can be used in the competition. Athletes are not allowed to use fixed objects or floating objects in the water to help them. They are not allowed to intentionally contact the accompanying lifeboat or the people on the boat. Others are prohibited from entering the water to swim, and they are not allowed to profit from the current generated by the lifeboat. During the competition, athletes can stand in place, but are not allowed to move or jump. Athletes are prohibited from using or wearing any equipment that may help them improve speed, endurance or buoyancy. Approved swimsuits, goggles, swimming caps (maximum of 2), nose clips and earplugs may be used.

Open water swimming competitions have a cut-off time based on the distance of the race, which starts when the first athlete reaches the finish line. The cut-off time for the 10-kilometer marathon swimming is 30 minutes after the first athlete arrives. The Hangzhou Asian Games marathon swimming event is expected to produce a total of 2 gold medals.

Source: Tide News

Editor: Zhou Hao