MANCHESTER, Great Britain, April 8. FINA announced today that not only would it be the first international sports federation to incorporate the newest version of the World Anti-Doping Code, but also would adopt the new starting platform after the 2008 Beijing Games.
In a vote held today at the FINA Extraordinary Congress on the eve of the World Short Course Championships, FINA adopted the WADA Code, which will begin being enforced on Jan. 1, 2009.
Additionally, the new starting block with an adjustable plate will be allowed after this summer's Olympics.
Other issues approved during the meeting:
• 10K open water events are now defined as "Marathon Swimming" within the organization.
• A new set of FINA Medical & Ethic Rules concerning security and protection of athletes' health.
• New regulations related to cases of emergency abandonment of open water races.