Open-water swimming has one defining feature: its arena can never be fully controlled. Barcelona offered another reminder on 3 October.
The final leg of the European Aquatics Open Water Swimming Cup started over the planned 10 km course, but deteriorating weather forced officials to stop the race after 2.5 km. Heavy rain and strong winds also caused a power cut at the venue.
European Aquatics said the chief referees and safety officials made the decision and Marina emergency boats evacuated the swimmers. Restarting the race was not possible.
Safety is part of the sport
Stopping a race once athletes are already in the water is never easy. In open water, however, weather, visibility and sea state can turn a sporting decision into a safety decision.
Source: European Aquatics and RFEN.