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PR 51 - New prize money distribution in Kazan 2015

Lausanne (SUI), June 17, 2015 - The 16th FINA World Championships, to be held from July 24 to August 9, 2015 in Kazan (RUS) will distribute a record prize money to the best athletes of almost US$5.5 million. The first eight ranked competitors/teams in each event will be entitled to receive Prize Money, a substantial improvement from the previous edition of FINA’s major showcase, where only the best six in each final were rewarded.

By discipline, Swimming will distribute US$2.5 million, Open Water will provide US$ 420,000, Diving will give US$ 780,000, High Diving will share US$ 125,000, Synchronised Swimming will handle US$ 900,000 and Water Polo will reward up to US$ 720,000. Moreover, for the Swimming competition, a new World Record will now be worth US$ 30,000.

FINA introduced a prize money policy for its FINA World Championships from the 2007 edition in Melbourne (AUS), with only the medallists being rewarded. At the 2013 FINA World Championships in Barcelona (ESP), FINA had enlarged this distribution to the best six in each event (for a total of US$ 3.1 million), and from Kazan 2015 onwards the best eight (in High Diving, the first 14 men and first 12 women) will be compensated for their effort.

“FINA’s strategy of re-investing in the Sport has dictated this improvement. Our World Championships generate great performances and we must award our Stars for their contribution to the enhancement of the Aquatics’ image worldwide. Going from US$ 3.1 million in 2013 to US$ 5.5 million in 2015 is also a proof that the value of our World Championships is steadily growing, being presently one of the most popular sport events in the planet”, considered the FINA President Dr. Julio C. Maglione.