FINA released the following today:

FINA TASK FORCE

Fran Crippen (USA)

Lausanne (SUI), November 1, 2010 - Following its decision to create a Task Force to investigate the causes and circumstances of the tragic loss of open water swimmer Fran Crippen (USA), on October 23, 2010, in the last leg of the FINA 10km Marathon Swimming World Cup in Fujairah (UAE), FINA today announces the Task Force composition:

Chairman    

• Mr. Gunnar Werner

Lawyer, Senior Vice President of the Court of Arbitration for Sport & FINA Honorary Member  

Members   

• Dr. Harold Vervaecke, PhD (BEL) 

Secretary General of the International Life Saving Federation (ILS); Doctor in Sports and Physical Education 

• Dr. Antonio Pelliccia, MD (ITA)

Scientific Director of the Institute of Sports Medicine of CONI and World Authority on Cardiovascular Disease and Sports Medicine (specialised in sudden death)

• Mr. Greg Towle (AUS) - subject to confirmation

Leading open water coach from Australia. He has extensive experience coaching open water swimmers under many different conditions.

• Dr. Tobie Smith, MD (USA)

Doctor of family medicine practising in NYC. Champion in the 25km at the 8th FINA World Championships Perth 1998. Advocate for Open Water Swimming and safety for its athletes.

The FINA Task Force will start its activity immediately.