The first edition of the Challenge Kichev is set to take place on December 8, 2024, at the Piscine Léo Lagrange in Toulouse, France. Named in honor of the renowned coach Michel Kichev, this event celebrates his 25-year legacy in the city’s finswimming community. Known to his friends as Mikhail, Kichev remains a pivotal figure in fostering finswimming talent.
This regional competition, listed in the French Underwater Sports Federation (FFESSM) calendar, includes unique innovations. It features three sprint races in the discipline of finswimming, aiming to crown the fastest male and female competitors. The winners will be determined based on cumulative FFESSM points across the three challenge events, with Michel Kichev personally awarding the trophies.
Exciting New Relay Races
Adding a fresh twist to the competition are two relay events:
- Mixed 4x50m Apnea Relay, combining male and female swimmers, which is not officially recognized by the FFESSM or CMAS.
- 4x100m Surface Bi-fins Relay, a non-mixed event.
These relays emphasize the inclusive and innovative spirit of the Challenge Kichev.
Participation and Registration
The competition is OPEN to licensed swimmers from FFESSM, FFN, FFTri, FFSS, and even non-licensed participants, provided they present a valid medical certificate issued within the past year. Registration deadlines are as follows:
- TMP and Open swimmers: December 4, 2024, at 14:00, via the TMP website.
- Other FFESSM-licensed swimmers: December 4, 2024, at 20:00, through their club on the FFESSM portal.
Relay team registration will occur onsite before 14:00 on the competition day.
Event Schedule
The day will unfold as follows:
- 13:00: Pool opens for athletes.
- 13:10-13:50: Warm-up session.
- 14:00: Competition begins, featuring both standard and Challenge Kichev races.
The sprint events in the Challenge include:
- 50m Apnea (AP)
- 50m Bi-fins (BI)
- 100m Surface (SF) – swum with either a monofin or bi-fins.
The competition concludes with relay events and the Challenge Kichev award ceremony.
Practical Details
A modest fee of €5 per swimmer is required, covering unlimited race entries. Payments must be made on the day of the event. For equipment, the use of snorkels is mandatory in all events except the 50m Apnea.
With its blend of tradition and innovation, the Challenge Kichev promises an exciting day for finswimming enthusiasts in Toulouse.
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