KAZAN, Russia (AP) – One prominent swimming coach called it “irresponsible.” Another labeled it a “business decision.”
World governing body FINA, meanwhile, placed the onus on the International Olympic Committee.
Whatever the factors at play, the bottom line for swimmers is this: they’ll be competing until or after midnight at next year’s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
Finals will begin at 10 p.m. local time – about four hours later than swimmers are used to. To compensate, what are usually known as “morning” heats will begin at 1 p.m.
“We will prepare for it, but it’s a pretty irresponsible decision that has been made,” Australia head coach Jacco Verhaeren told The Associated Press.