“This is a great opportunity for our sport to be showcased to the nearly one billion people in the potential television audience of the Americas during the first nine days of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.  The live prime time exposure is something that can only benefit the sport of swimming, and enhance the public profile of our sport’s top athletes.

The IOC’s decision to announce this nearly two years prior to the Olympic Games ensures a level playing field for all athletes.  No matter what the schedule, our athletes will be ready to swim their best when their best is needed.”