Shanghai, Melbourne to Host Swimming World Champs
BARCELONA, July 12. AFTER the final presentations today by the candidate cities, FINA announced the cities that will host the 2006 Short Course World Championships and the 2007 Long Course World Championships.
Shanghai, China, was named the host of the 8th FINA World Short Course Swimming Championships in 2006. In an all-Asian affair, the two other candidates were Incheon (KOR) and Macau (MAC).
Melbourne, Australia, got the nod to host the 12th FINA World (Long Course) Championships in 2007 (in swimming, open water swimming, diving, water polo and synchronised swimming). The other two finalists were Dubai (UAE) and Rio de Janeiro (BRA).
Melbourne had dropped out of the running several months ago, citing excessive costs. However, late last month, that city resubmitted its bid, which ultimately was successful.