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Swimmers take relay ticket to Athens
Chinese swimmers took an Olympic berth in the men's 4x100 meters freestyle relay after the British team relinquished the event, an official from the Chinese Swimming Association (CSA)confirmed in Beijing on Wednesday. Shang Xiutang, vice president of the CSA, revealed that FINA, the sport's world governing body, has informed CSA for the newly-approved men's relay changes. According to FINA rules, 16 teams can be entered in each relay competition at the Olympic Games. The top 12 finishers at the 10th FINA World Championships in Barcelona, Spain, last year shall be qualified automatically. The rest teams shall be selected by the fastest times achieved in the 15-month period before the Olympic Games in competitions approved for that purpose by FINA. China's men's 4X100m freestyle relay was somewhere outside of the top 16 and was told on the waiting list. Shang said,"We were almost hopeless for the ticket. However, we were informed that because of the British team gave up their chance in the relay for unclear reason, we took the advantage of their exit." Chinese swimmers have booked all three women's relays and men's 4X200m freestyle according to their performance at the worlds in last year. The lucky men's 4X100m freestyle berth means they can enter two more extra swimmers. FINA allows each national federation to enter additional swimmers for the relays only, provided that they have achieved the B standard for the stroke and distance. When a team earns 6 relays, it can send 16 extra swimmers, while 5 relays for 12 and 4 relays with 10 extra competitors. "We will discuss who are going to be the extra swimmers for the relay. No matter which two go to Athens, they can earn experience by attending such a great sport gala," Shang said. China will name its squad in all events for the Athens Olympic Games on July 13. |
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