NEOM, Saudi Arabia, November 25, 2024 – The inaugural World Aquatics Open Water Swimming World Cup NEOM made a stunning debut at NEOM Bay yesterday, marking a significant milestone for both the sport and the region. The event brought together 70 athletes from 17 countries, culminating in a thrilling finale that closed out the Open Water Swimming World Cup series and the highly anticipated NEOM Beach Games 2024.
Held along the picturesque Red Sea coastline, the World Cup’s grand finale featured 37 men and 33 women competitors, including two Saudi athletes, showcasing NEOM’s growing commitment to becoming a premier destination for world-class sporting events. This marked an exciting chapter for NEOM as it expands its global sports offerings, further highlighting the Kingdom’s investment in promoting and developing adventure sports.
Among the standout athletes were two of the sport's biggest names: Kristof Rasovszky, a seasoned open-water swimmer, and Moesha Johnson, who both medaled at the Paris 2024 Olympics in gold and silver, respectively. Their participation in the event elevated the profile of this inaugural competition, which attracted a vibrant field of international talent. In a nail-biting conclusion, Florian Wellbrock triumphed in the Men's category, while Moesha Johnson clinched victory in the Women's final, further cementing their status as elite athletes in the world of open-water swimming.
The World Aquatics Open Water Swimming World Cup NEOM was part of a broader push by NEOM to elevate the profile of open-water swimming as part of the NEOM Beach Games. This new addition to the program not only brought the thrill of open-water racing to the shores of NEOM but also aligned with the region's broader goal of nurturing adventure sports across Saudi Arabia. By offering world-class facilities and promoting programs that encourage physical activity and well-being, NEOM aims to provide opportunities for athletes of all levels to immerse themselves in nature and engage in sports that promote a healthy lifestyle.
Jan Paterson, Managing Director of Sport at NEOM, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, saying, "Hosting the grand finale of the 2024 World Aquatics Open Water Swimming World Cup is a privilege, and we are grateful for the trust of all of our Rights Holders in collaborating with NEOM to deliver the NEOM Beach Games. This event further strengthens NEOM's vision to position itself as the preferred partner for international sports, creating a legacy of sporting excellence and active lifestyles. It also supports the Kingdom's broader goals under Vision 2030 by contributing to the development of sports infrastructure, fostering athletic talent, and enhancing global recognition."
The NEOM Beach Games 2024 – a three-week sporting extravaganza – served as the perfect backdrop for the World Aquatics Open Water Swimming World Cup. Over the course of the event, more than 1,000 athletes and Rights Holders from 71 nationalities participated, including several Paris 2024 Olympic medalists. The Games have become a key platform for showcasing NEOM’s potential to host global sporting events and attract international talent, with open-water swimming being just one example of how NEOM is integrating adventure sports into its extensive offerings.
Husain Al-Musallam, President of World Aquatics, highlighted the significance of NEOM's involvement in the sport’s global calendar. “After an extraordinary international open-water season that included the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the World Aquatics Junior Open Water Swimming Championships, and four thrilling World Cup stops, the season culminates here in NEOM for the final race weekend of 2024. The competition has never been more intense, with compelling athlete storylines and the men’s and women’s World Cup titles set to be decided in the stunning crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea."
The event, which closed the third edition of the NEOM Beach Games, marked a major success for both NEOM and the Kingdom's broader ambitions to become a leading global destination for sports. By attracting elite athletes and hosting high-profile events, NEOM has solidified its place on the map as an innovative sports hub, offering athletes world-class facilities and immersive natural landscapes that promote well-being and healthy lifestyles.
As Saudi Arabia continues to invest heavily in sports as part of its Vision 2030 agenda, NEOM’s role as a pioneering force in the development of sports tourism and athletic excellence is clear. This inaugural open-water swimming event was not just a competition; it was a symbol of NEOM’s commitment to creating a legacy of sporting excellence and serving as a catalyst for the future of sports in the region. With each successive event, NEOM aims to push the boundaries of what is possible, leaving a lasting impact on athletes, spectators, and future generations alike.
