Swimmer dies during 10K open-water race

The big buzz this morning at swim practice was U.S. swimmer Fran Crippen, a 26-year-old Olympic hopeful who died during a World Cup 10K open-water swim race near Dubai over the weekend.

Other competitors have said the temperature of the water in the race was too high.

While FINA, the international swimming federation, sets a maximum temperature for water in pool races, there is no limit in open-water races. The swimmer who won the race estimated the temperature at 86 degrees — 4 degrees above what is deemed acceptable in a pool.

I think upper 60s or lower 70s are best for long open-water races.

There are other concerns about the 10K race as well. Read the Christian Science Monitor’s complete article here.

Remember a few years ago, when organizers of the Chicago Marathon ended the race early when temperatures soared?

Should race organizers have called off the swim race because of course conditions? Should Crippen’s coach have pulled him from the water when he said he wasn’t feeling well near the end? Or was it up to Crippen to make the call?

Another thing to consider: If Crippen hadn’t finished the race, he wouldn’t have been allowed to collect prize money awarded for the overall circuit.