World Aquatics will debut a new open category for transgender athletes at this year’s Swimming World Cup event in Berlin.<\/span><\/p>\n The open category will feature 50m and 100m races across all strokes.<\/span><\/p>\n “This highlights [our] unwavering commitment to inclusivity, welcoming swimmers of all sex and gender identities,” said World Aquatics.<\/span><\/p>\n Last year World Aquatics said the open category would be for swimmers whose gender identity is different than their birth sex.<\/span><\/p>\n Describing the creation of the open category in Berlin as a “pioneering pilot project”, World Aquatics said more events could be added.<\/span><\/p>\n The governing body said detailed entry requirements and entry times would be made available “soon”.<\/span><\/p>\n “To be eligible, swimmers need an affiliation with a national federation and will be given the flexibility to participate individually, for their club, team or as national federation members,” it added.<\/span><\/p>\n The Berlin competition, which takes place on 6-8 October, is the first of three World Cup meetings this year.<\/span><\/p>\n They are a key part of the swimming calendar, coming shortly after the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka and before the same event in Doha in January.<\/span><\/p>\n World Aquatics, which was formerly known as Fina, said the open category placed emphasis on “gaining further experience for future development and celebrating diversity”.<\/span><\/p>\n German Swimming Federation’s vice president Kai Morgenroth added the hosts were “proud” to hold an event where swimmers can “compete without barriers”. <\/span><\/p>\n
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