Finswimming World Ranking

Finswimming World Rankings 2024: A Comprehensive Overview

Finswimming, a unique and exhilarating water sport, continues to grow globally, with the 2024 season shaping up to be one of the most competitive years yet. The recently released 2024 Finswimming World Rankings highlight the impressive achievements of top athletes from around the world. These rankings not only celebrate the fastest times but also reflect the dedication and hard work of finswimmers who continue to push the boundaries of human performance in aquatic sports.

These events, among many others, laid the groundwork for a thrilling competitive season leading up to the much-anticipated rounds of the CMAS World Cup.

The CMAS World Cup: A Crucial Stage for Global Rankings

The CMAS World Cup is the most prestigious series of events in finswimming, drawing athletes from all over the world to compete for ranking points and global recognition. The 2024 World Cup will be held in several rounds, beginning in Aix en Provence, France, from 23rd to 25th February, with subsequent rounds in Italy, the United States, and other locations. These events are not only a chance for athletes to improve their rankings but also a key pathway to qualification for major international championships such as the CMAS World Championships.

Among the notable CMAS World Cup rounds are:

• Aix en Provence, France (23rd-25th February): The first round promises intense competition as athletes aim to start the season strong.
• Lignano, Italy (22nd-24th March): This round is always one of the most exciting, given Italy’s deep history in finswimming and the strong performances of Italian athletes.
• Coral Springs, USA (13th-14th April): The third round of the World Cup brings the competition to the Americas, offering a different competitive environment and unique challenges for participants.

Spotlight on Top Athletes in 2024

Several athletes have already made their mark in the 2024 rankings, showcasing their speed, skill, and determination. A few standouts include:

• Mauricio Fernandez Castillo (Colombia): Currently ranked as the top male finswimmer in the world with a time of 15.39 seconds in the 50-meter surface finswimming event. Fernandez Castillo’s consistency and explosive power in the water make him a force to be reckoned with in every competition.
• Yaoyao Hu (China): Dominating the women’s category with a remarkable time of 17.11 seconds in the 50-meter surface event, Hu continues to raise the bar for her competitors, representing the growing strength of the Chinese finswimming program.
• Maria Iliaki (Greece): A rising star in the junior division, Iliaki set a new World Junior Record with a time of 17.42 seconds. Her performance at the European Junior Championships in Klaipeda, Lithuania, put her on the global radar as a future contender for senior titles.
• Diana Sliseva (Russia): One of the top-ranked female athletes, Sliseva has been a consistent performer, achieving a time of 17.11 seconds, tying with Hu for the top spot. Her technical precision and focus have made her a formidable competitor.

Noteworthy Performances by Country

Finswimming is a sport where countries from all continents are making their presence felt. Here’s a breakdown of some of the top-performing nations:

• Russia continues to be a powerhouse in finswimming, with multiple athletes across different age categories making it into the top ranks. Russian finswimmers consistently dominate in events like the 50m surface and 100m surface categories, owing to a well-structured training system and strong national competitions.
• South Korea has shown a meteoric rise in the sport, particularly in the men’s division. With athletes like Chanyoung Kim and Dongjin Lee consistently placing in the top five, Korea is solidifying its reputation as a leading nation in Asian finswimming.
• Colombia is proving its dominance in the Americas, with several athletes placing in the top 10 globally. Mauricio Fernandez Castillo’s leadership in the sport is helping to boost finswimming’s profile in South America.

Youth Talent on the Rise

A significant aspect of the 2024 rankings is the emergence of young talents who are breaking onto the international scene. Junior finswimmers are not only setting new personal bests but are also challenging senior athletes with their performances.

• Raphael Kokkinos (Greece): A name to watch in the future, Kokkinos delivered a stellar performance in Thessaloniki with a time of 15.87 seconds in the 50-meter surface event. His speed and technique indicate that he could soon be competing for senior titles.
• Ekaterina Mikhailushkina (Russia): Another junior talent making waves is Mikhailushkina, with a time of 17.35 seconds. Her potential to rise through the ranks in the coming years is undeniable.

These junior athletes, alongside others, ensure that the future of finswimming is bright and that the sport will continue to grow globally.

The Road Ahead for 2024

As the season progresses, finswimmers will continue to compete in various national and international events, aiming to improve their times and rankings. The CMAS World Championships in Belgrade, Serbia, from 12th to 16th July will undoubtedly be the pinnacle of the 2024 season. Athletes will not only be competing for medals but also for global recognition and records.

Additionally, regional and national championships across Europe, Asia, and the Americas will provide crucial opportunities for finswimmers to fine-tune their skills and maintain peak form.

Conclusion

The 2024 Finswimming World Rankings have already revealed an exciting and competitive season ahead. With established champions defending their titles and young athletes eager to make their mark, finswimming is set to reach new heights. The sport’s global reach is expanding, and as more countries invest in training and development, the level of competition will only increase.

As we look forward to the remainder of the season, one thing is clear: finswimming continues to capture the attention of sports enthusiasts around the world, and the athletes competing in 2024 are setting a new standard for excellence in this dynamic sport.

Our friend Tim Willruth updated the Finswimming World Ranking:

New 2024

• Finswimming World Ranking 2024
• Finswimming World Ranking 2024/2025

Update:  30.12.2024

Key Competitions of 2024

The 2024 season began with a series of national and international events across multiple countries. Some of the most notable competitions included:

The three rankings have been prepared using the results from the latest Finswimming events.

Please note: these rankings are not official, but it’s a very hard work by Tim himself, with no federal or confederal support.