Passages

Sad news in the swimming world yesterday. Fran Crippen, American distance and open water swimmer, passed away during a 10K World Cup Race in Dubai. Fran was one of the illustrious swimmers in his family - all his sisters are top-caliber swimmers as well. A horrible and shocking incident. I can't really understand how the officials or monitors could let an athlete slip out of view like that, particularly when the water temperature was that high; honestly, it's hard to imagine that the race even went on. Racing 10K in 82+ degree water? Open water is, as I understand, an aggressive and dangerous sport to begin with, but something like this is just unheard of. Huge loss for his family (can't even imagine what they must be feeling right now) and for the sport. He was one of the people pioneering that branch of the sport in the US. Rest in peace, Fran.