Flannagan Cup Going Strong Since 1916
The 3.6K Flannagan Cup Open Water Swim in New Plymouth, New Zealand will take place on February 6th.The Flannagan Cup Open Water Swim was first held in 1916 to raise money for a war veteran’s charity. The first hardy pioneers set out to swim 5.5K in the cold waters of the Tasman Sea – long before there were neoprene wetsuits.
The current race format has a handicapped start which, in theory, gives everyone a chance to win the race.
With such a handicapped start, weekend warriors still have the opportunity to win. With a switch to a multi-lap inner harbor swim and the inclusion of wetsuited swimmers has resulted in rising popularity.
The traditional race date of Waitangi Day, the day of New Zealand’s founding, usually makes for warm water and sunny conditions. Recently, New Zealand’s Olympic heroes like Danyon Loader and Shane Read and open water swimming star Charlotte Webby (see above) have joined in the fun.
Copyright © 2010 by Steven Munatones
Southern California native, born 1962, is the creator of the WOWSA Awards, Oceans Seven, Openwaterpedia, Citrus Corps, World Open Water Swimming Association, Daily News of Open Water Swimming, Global Open Water Swimming Conference. He is Chief Executive Officer of KAATSU Global and KAATSU Research Institute. Inductee in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Swimmer, Class of 2001) and Ice Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Contributor - Media, Class of 2019), recipient of the International Swimming Hall of Fame's Poseidon Award (2016), International Swimming Hall of Fame's Irving Davids-Captain Roger Wheeler Memorial Award (2010), USA Swimming's Glen S. Hummer Award (2007, 2010) and Harvard University's John B. Imrie Award (1984). Served on the FINA Technical Open Water Swimming Committee and as Technical Delegate with the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games, and 9-time USA Swimming coaching staff.
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