Mixed relay may debut at 2020 Tokyo Games

Three or more new swimming events may be added to the Olympic roster for the 2020 Tokyo Games, a source close to the International Swimming Federation (FINA) told AFP on Monday.

Adding the new events, including a mixed gender relay, an 800m men’s freestyle and a 1500m women’s freestyle, would extend swimming’s Olympic schedule into a ninth day, the source said.

At Rio 2016 the swimming programme was held over eight days.

“The Olympic broadcaster OBS wants it that way because swimming gets great audiences,” the source said.

A high diving event and a mixed gender synchronised event may also be added to the schedule.

A decision on the new events should be made on June 9 at a meeting of the International Olympic Committee’s executive committee.