How to Qualify for ÖTILLÖ, The Swimrun World Championship

Welcome to episode 201 of the Löw Tide Böyz - A Swimrun Podcast!In this episode we are discussing how to qualify for ÖTILLÖ, The Swimrun World Championship since the advent of their new ranking system. We’ve gotten a bunch of questions from our listeners about how to get to the start line so we’re breaking down all the ways to qualify for the race that started it all.Things that are the same as in year’s past:Registration window from January 1st through the 25th.A total of 160 team spots availableAll podium teams from ÖTILLÖ, The Swimrun World Championship from the previous year (9 spots) (Only for the same team constellation as on the podium)Race Directors choice (10 spots) that are used at the Race Director’s discretion throughout the year for sponsors, media and special circumstances.Things that are a different/new:There is no longer going to be Direct qualification for the World Championship. (Used to be that podium finishers at World Series events would get slots. That is no more.)The Swimrun Ranking system has been revamped and “simplified” and uses a new point system:Team members collect individual pointsTeam members collect points from January to December by finishing in the Top 30 of each category (men/women/mixed) at an ÖTILLÖ World Series or an ÖTILLÖ Merit Race TEAM event. The winning teams will earn a maximum of 60 points (ÖTILLÖ World Series) and 30 points (ÖTILLÖ Merit Race) per athlete.At the beginning of the year, every athlete in the ranking has the chance to apply with a team partner of their choice. ÖTILLO will then add all accumulated points of both partners and create its ÖTILLÖ qualification list, which will be the basis for the invitation to participate at The Swimrun World Championship.How Does the New Point System Work:The Top 30 teams that finish a race in each category (Men/ Mixed/ Women) at ÖTILLÖ World Series events and ÖTILLÖ Merit Races get ranking points.With these points you can apply for Ranking selection at ÖTILLÖ, The Swimrun World Championship.All athletes in the ranking will be provided with an invitation to apply for a spot with a partner of their choice that also has collected ranking points in 2023. The two individual rankings will then be added together and will lead to a team ranking for the qualification of ÖTILLÖ, The Swimrun World Championship 2024.Applications based on Swimrun Rankings take place from January 1st-25th with the announcement of teams taking place on Swimrun Christmas, a.k.a., The first Thursday in February. (Feb. 1 in 2024)The points are distributed based on the following criteria:Racers get individual ranking points at all ÖTILLÖ World Series team events and ÖTILLÖ Merit Races (long distance only) from January 1st to December 31st (calendar year). No points for Solo category racers!Ranking points will be awarded to Top 30 finishers of ÖTILLÖ World Series (WS) and ÖTILLÖ Merit Races (MR) in each category (Men/ Mixed/ Women)Points for ÖTILLÖ World Series Races (WS): 60 for winning team/ athletePoints for ÖTILLÖ Merit Races (MR): 30 for winning team / athleteAt WS races points are allocated ranks 1-30 with 2 points difference to the next placed team (1st: 60 pts, 2nd: 58 pts etc.)At MR races points are allocated ranks 1-30 with 1 point difference to the next placed team (1st: 30 pts, 2nd: 29 pts etc.)Confirmed ÖTILLÖ Events for 2024:ÖTILLÖ Swimrun Utö - June 8thÖTILLÖ Swimrun Engadin - June 29thÖTILLÖ Swimrun Mackinac - June or July TBCÖTILLÖ Swimrun Gothenburg - August 3rdÖTILLÖ Swimrun Casco Bay - August 11thÖTILLÖ Swimrun Sprint Final 15k August 31stÖTILLÖ The Swimrun World Championship - September 2ndÖTILLÖ Swimrun Orcas Island - September 15thÖTILLÖ Swimrun Cannes - October 12thÖTILLÖ Swimrun Pace Bend Park - November 3rdSummaryIn closing, we think that while it will be more straightforward to qualify under the ranking system, it may be harder for “slower” teams to garner enough points to qualify easily but definitely not impossible. We think that these new rules are an improvement and reflect the reality that there are many Swimrunners experiencing events with different partners and this new system really embraces that. Finally, we definitely recommend that teams put the World Championship in their sights and experience the sheer epicness of the Stockholm Archipelago for themselves.Enjoy!~~~That’s it for this week’s show. If you are enjoying the Löw Tide Böyz, be sure to subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast player and leave us a five-star rating and review since that’s the best way for people to discover the show and the sport of Swimrun. You can find us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, and on YouTube. Check out our website for Swimrun resources including gear guides, tips, how-to videos and so much more. Also make sure to check out our meme page @thelowtideboyz on Instagram. If you have any suggestions for the show or questions for us, send us a dm or an email at lowtideboyz@gmail.com. Finally, you can support our efforts on Patreon…if you feel so inclined.Thanks for listening and see you out there!-  Chip and Chris