The year began with the World Aquatics Championships in Doha, Qatar, in February. This event brought together 2,600 athletes from 204 countries, including the inspirational World Aquatics Refugee Team. Over 17 thrilling days, six aquatic sports were showcased across 75 medal events.

Fans around the world were captivated by dramatic finishes and world-record-breaking performances, with over 320 hours of live broadcast coverage and daily highlights distributed to broadcast partners. This championship reaffirmed the global appeal and strength of aquatics as a unifying sport.

In the summer, the Olympic Games Paris 2024 delivered another unforgettable display of aquatic excellence. Held across three stunning venues, the event saw records shattered both in the pool and in terms of global engagement. With 1.3 billion social media impressions, 621 million engagements, and 609 million video views, aquatics reached an unprecedented global audience. Furthermore, 1.1 million people joined the World Aquatics digital community during the Games, reflecting the growing excitement and passion for the sport worldwide.

The year culminated with the World Aquatics Swimming Championships (25m) in Budapest, Hungary, in December. The event was a showcase of exceptional talent and determination, with athletes achieving 30 World Records, 13 Junior World Records, 46 Championship Records, and 63 Continental Records. These accomplishments highlighted not only the athletes’ dedication but also the support and expertise of their teams.

Beyond the competitions, World Aquatics invested significantly in strengthening its global community throughout 2024. Efforts included scholarship and mentorship programs, a revised coaching framework, and initiatives like Learn to Swim, which promotes swimming as an essential life skill.

The organization also introduced a sustainability framework, emphasizing its commitment to empowering athletes and communities while fostering environmental responsibility. Through close collaboration with National Federations, Continental Organisations, and stakeholders, World Aquatics has ensured that aquatics continues to inspire and enrich lives at every level, from grassroots participation to elite competition.

Looking ahead, 2025 promises another exciting chapter for the sport. The World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, set to take place in July and August, will bring together over 2,500 athletes from 210 Member Federations to compete across six aquatic disciplines. Expectations are high for another spectacular celebration of talent and sportsmanship.

In reflecting on the year’s achievements, the president of World Aquatics, Husain Al-Musallam, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the global community, “I want to sincerely thank our entire global community – athletes, fans, coaches, National Federations, Continental Organisations, valued partners, committee members, our hardworking staff, and all stakeholders – for your dedication and contributions in advancing aquatic sports in 2024.”

The president also emphasized the unique power of sport to unite and inspire, noting that 2024 has been a testament to this potential. As World Aquatics prepares for the opportunities of 2025, the organization remains steadfast in its mission to empower communities and create a healthier, safer, and more vibrant world through aquatic sports.

BY: Sam May( Sports Writer & Content Editor)