Hong Kong takes centre stage as first in new 'F1 series' for swimmers
Open water event in Shek O launches unique 13-race global circuit targeting all athletes
Hong Kong on Saturday launches the first race in a newly created world open water series, dubbed "a new F1 circuit for swimming".
The World Open Water Swimming Series (WOWSS), a global network of 13 races, will unlock a fresh level of competition, said event organiser Doug Woodring.
The first event, the Jax Coco Shek O Challenge, is at Big Wave Bay, with about 250 swimmers tackling the 2.2km course to Shek O back beach. Runners and paddlers also form part of the event, competing in separate events simultaneously.
This is like the start of a new F1 circuit for swimming - there's simply nothing else like it
"A series like this, in Hong Kong, opens up a whole new level of competition and tourism," Woodring said.
"This is like the start of a new F1 circuit for swimming - there's simply nothing else like it. Although Fina [the International Swimming Federation] does professional open water swims around the world, this is the first global swimming series for people - not just professionals."
Woodring predicted membership to the series could increase up to fourfold in the years to come.
The series spans Africa, North America, South America, Asia and Europe, and includes the iconic aQuellé Midmar Mile in South Africa and the Waikiki Roughwater swim in Hawaii.
