The FINA World Championships: “A Great Show”

Interviewed by the Gwangju News Team

Dr. Julio Maglione is currently serving his third consecutive term as the president of FINA. A native of Uruguay, Dr. Maglione will continue to lead the world swimming governing body until 2021. He is also the president of the Uruguayan Olympic Committee and an honorary member of the International Olympic Committee. Given his extensive experience and involvement with sports, it was a privilege to be able to get his perspective on the upcoming 18th FINA World Championships in Gwangju. The following questions were compiled by the Gwangju News staff and put to Dr. Maglione by Cho Namhee, who is now working for the FINA World Championships in Gwangju.

Gwangju News (GN): Could you tell us a little bit about yourself and your aquatic career?
Maglione: I was myself a swimmer, having competed internationally for Uruguay, my native country. As an athlete, I was the South American record holder, and I took part in the Pan-American and South American Games. After that, I became President of the Uruguayan Swimming Federation, and I am also today President of the Uruguayan Olympic Committee. Within FINA, I firstly entered the bureau, then I became honorary treasurer, and now president since 2009.

GN: The city selection process for the FINA Championships is quite competitive. What was it about the Gwangju proposal that made it the most attractive venue for this year’s event?
Maglione: The Gwangju proposal was quite attractive, and we knew Korea had an enormous potential to organize a major event of this caliber. Your country has hosted the summer and winter Olympic Games, as well as many other international events, and this accumulated experience is a precious asset to ensure successful organization of the FINA World Championships.

GN: How was Gwangju picked to be the host city? Please tell us more about the selection process.
Maglione: The bidding procedure is a demanding one, but FINA always tries to obtain from each of the candidates the maximum guarantees that the championships can be held in optimal conditions for all participants. The Gwangju bid was quite solid, and we have received those guarantees from both the city of Gwangju and the government of Korea.

GN: What special considerations, logistical or otherwise, are there with hosting the FINA World Championships in Gwangju?
Maglione: There are many, but I would highlight five of them: the quality of the venues, an efficient transportation plan, suitable accommodation, excellent TV coverage, and a good promotion plan. Gwangju promised it would focus its work and preparation on these topics, and we are quite confident of an excellent outcome during the month of July.

GN: Were any joint North and South Korean teams considered for this year’s FINA World Championships?
Maglione: This is a question that goes largely beyond FINA’s control. FINA is a universe of 209 nations, and we always like to say that through sport, we bring the world together in the spirit of friendship and peace. This is also the case for Gwangju, and as you know, FINA has recently made an appeal to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea for their participation in these championships. We sincerely hope we can be successful with this request.

GN: How can the FINA World Championships be used as a vehicle to improve swimming infrastructure here in Gwangju?
Maglione: The FINA World Championships leaves a strong legacy in both the city and the country organizing it. That was the case with Kazan 2015, where many of the temporary pools installed there were then used for other purposes, and for Budapest 2017, where the superb “Duna Arena” was constructed and is now the main aquatic complex of the Hungarian capital.

Moreover, having the best aquatic athletes on the planet in one’s city and country certainly motivates their youth to try our sport. Gwangju’s hosting of the FINA World Championships will generate a lot of interest from youth and children all around Korea. Many of today’s stars have initiated and are excelling in aquatic sports after watching their heroes on TV screens during their childhood. I am sure that some future Korean stars will say, in some years from now, that it all started by following their idols at these FINA World Championships in Gwangju.

GN: What do you expect to be the highlights of this year’s event?
Maglione: There will be a lot of highlights. The variety of the six FINA disciplines and the quality of their stars will provide a unique show with plenty of spectacular results and memorable images. In swimming, water polo, diving, artistic swimming, open water swimming, and high diving, the performances of the best athletes of the approximately 190 participating nations – a new record of participation – will delight the many spectators onsite and the many millions of TV and digital viewers around the world.

GN: What do you think the reaction of Gwangju citizens will be during the hosting of the championships, especially since it is the very first time for such a grand event to be held in Korea?
Maglione: They will certainly be delighted to witness such a great show! The FINA World Championships is ranked among the most prestigious events on the planet, so it is a privilege to have this competition in your town, so close to you. I am sure the reaction will be very positive, and I hope to see the stands in the venues full of motivated fans.

GN: In addition to watching events, what plans do you have for your time in Korea?
Maglione: The FINA schedule in Gwangju is quite busy, with not only the competition but also meetings and our General Congress. We will have very intense days in Gwangju, but I still hope to have some free time to enjoy your beautiful city.

GN: Do you have any special message to our Gwangju News readers?
Maglione: FINA is very happy to be in Gwangju and to enjoy the fantastic hospitality of the Korean people. It is now your turn to show up and enjoy the championships in the excellent venues throughout the city. You will see a great show with the best stars of the aquatic world!

The Gwangju News would like to extend its warmest thanks to Dr. Maglione for taking part in this interview. — Eds.

Photographs courtesy of the 18th FINA World Championships Gwangju