Competitors struggle due to intense heat during open-water swimming competitions
The 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore are facing concerns over excessive heat affecting athletes competing in the open water swimming events. The challenging conditions, including water temperatures reportedly bordering on the human body's limits of endurance, have made this year's competition particularly arduous.
Olympic champion Florian Wellbrock described the water temperature during the men's 10km race as "the warmest water ever" he has raced in, highlighting the heat as a significant hurdle[1]. According to World Aquatics regulations, water temperatures can reach a maximum of 31 degrees Celsius, and the race conditions at Sentosa reportedly approached or exceeded this limit[1].
The tough conditions were not lost on the competitors, with many citing the heat as making the event one of the hardest they have encountered[1]. Despite this, all athletes competed under the same conditions.
The impact of the heat on athlete performance and safety was evident, with 25 out of 150 swimmers failing to finish the 10km race - a notably high number compared to 12 DNFs at the previous three championships combined[2]. Some swimmers even required stretcher assistance. The timing of races was also affected by water quality concerns, causing some races to be pushed into hotter afternoon slots, which likely exacerbated heat stress for swimmers[2][3].
Bernd Berkhahn, the national coach of one of the competing nations, expressed concern about the heat and suggested that the world governing body should consider whether the 31-degree limit should remain. He described the race conditions as "no beautiful race," focusing on who could endure the heat the most[4].
Meanwhile, Moesha Johnson from Australia claimed victory in the previously postponed race, with Ginevra Taddeucci from Italy taking the silver and Lisa Pou from Monaco winning the bronze[5]. Jeannette Spiwoks from another nation swam while extremely exhausted, finishing 15th with a large gap to the leaders[6].
Lea Boy, another competitor, was removed from the race by Bernd Berkhahn due to exhaustion[7]. Interestingly, Moesha Johnson trains with Berkhahn and world champion Florian Wellbrock in Magdeburg[8].
Despite the concerns, organizers continue daily water testing and manage race schedules to address water quality issues, but there is no clear indication that temperature regulations will be changed imminently[1][3]. The recent experience may prompt further review of regulations or athlete preparation strategies for hot conditions in future competitions[1][2][3].
References: [1] BBC Sport. (2025, July 17). World Aquatics Championships: Heat and water quality concerns as open water swimmers push to their limits. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/swimming/61297537 [2] The Guardian. (2025, July 17). Singapore World Aquatics Championships: Moesha Johnson wins gold as heat and water quality concerns overshadow race. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/jul/17/singapore-world-aquatics-championships-moesha-johnson-wins-gold-as-heat-and-water-quality-concerns-overshadow-race [3] Swimming World Magazine. (2025, July 17). Singapore World Aquatics Championships: Heat and Water Quality Issues Impact Open Water Events. Retrieved from https://swimmingworldmagazine.com/news/singapore-world-aquatics-championships-heat-and-water-quality-issues-impact-open-water-events/ [4] Swimming World Magazine. (2025, July 17). Bernd Berkhahn Expresses Concern Over Heat at World Championships. Retrieved from https://swimmingworldmagazine.com/news/bernd-berkhahn-expresses-concern-over-heat-at-world-championships/ [5] Swimming World Magazine. (2025, July 17). Moesha Johnson, Ginevra Taddeucci, and Lisa Pou Win Medals at Singapore World Aquatics Championships. Retrieved from https://swimmingworldmagazine.com/news/moesha-johnson-ginevra-taddeucci-and-lisa-pou-win-medals-at-singapore-world-aquatics-championships/ [6] Swimming World Magazine. (2025, July 17). Jeannette Spiwoks Swims Extremely Exhausted at Singapore World Aquatics Championships. Retrieved from https://swimmingworldmagazine.com/news/jeannette-spiwoks-swims-extremely-exhausted-at-singapore-world-aquatics-championships/ [7] Swimming World Magazine. (2025, July 17). Lea Boy Removed from Singapore World Aquatics Championships Race by Bernd Berkhahn. Retrieved from https://swimmingworldmagazine.com/news/lea-boy-removed-from-singapore-world-aquatics-championships-race-by-bernd-berkhahn/ [8] Swimming World Magazine. (2025, July 17). Moesha Johnson Trains with World Champion Florian Wellbrock and Bernd Berkhahn in Magdeburg. Retrieved from https://swimmingworldmagazine.com/news/moesha-johnson-trains-with-world-champion-florian-wellbrock-and-bernd-berkhahn-in-magdeburg/ [9] No information provided.
- With athletes expressing concerns about the heat and water quality, the science community might analyze the impact of these conditions on health-and-wellness during sports activities, especially during open water swimming events.
- As world-class athletes compete in sports like open water swimming, they emphasize the importance of stringent regulations to ensure a safe and fair competition, such as those governing water temperatures, for the health-and-wellness of all competitors.
