On August 11, 2024, amidst the heat of summer and the call of the waves, the highlight event of Qingdao's National Fitness Day series—the Open Water Swimming Competition—took place at the First Sea Bathing Beach in Qingdao. The competition was organized by the Qingdao Municipal Sports Bureau and the Qingdao Sports Federation, hosted by the Qingdao Sports Development Center, and operated by Qingdao Iron Age Sports Culture Communication Co., Ltd., with strong support from the Qingdao Yongjin Swimming Club.

The event brought together 120 swimmers from 17 cities across Shandong, Henan, Shanxi, and other provinces. These athletes competed in the waters of Huizhuan Bay, showcasing their skills and determination in a race that combined speed and passion.

The main challenge of the competition was a 3-kilometer ocean circuit race, set in the vast sea. Participants were divided into three categories: Adult, Masters, and Youth, with awards for the top six male and female finishers in each category, as well as a relay competition for the youth open water swimming teams. To ensure safety, participants were required to have the physical capability and skill to swim over 1,000 meters in one go, along with regular experience in swimming and open water training. During the race, swimmers wore designated safety floats and followed a predefined route. The organizers provided 30 paddleboards, 10 rescue boats, and medical emergency vehicles to ensure safety.

Open water swimming differs significantly from pool-based events, requiring athletes to not only excel in swimming techniques but also to cope with natural challenges such as waves, currents, water quality changes, and temperature variations. Despite these challenges, many swimming enthusiasts are drawn to the unique experience of competing in the open sea.

Qingdao, a city embracing the sea, has been hosting open water swimming competitions since the Beijing Olympics in 2008, when the 10-kilometer open water swimming event was introduced as an official Olympic sport. Since then, the sport has become a signature maritime event in the city.

A particularly noteworthy team in this year's competition was a relay team composed of 16 young swimmers with an average age of just 8 years old. Their participation not only demonstrated the vitality of young athletes but also added hope and dreams to the aquatic spectacle.

The race started at 8:30 a.m. with the sound of the starting whistle, and concluded at 9:26 a.m. as the final wave splashed. The exceptional performances of the swimmers not only delivered an exciting event for the audience but also showcased the city's efforts in promoting fitness and the popularity of aquatic sports. We look forward to seeing even more swimmers join next year's race in Huizhuan Bay, creating a harmonious symphony of skill and nature.