**Swimming at the 2023 Central American and Caribbean Games**
**Definition**
Swimming at the 2023 Central American and Caribbean Games was a major aquatic sports competition held as part of the multi-sport event hosted in San Salvador, El Salvador. The swimming events featured athletes from across the Central American and Caribbean region competing in various disciplines and distances.
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## Overview
The swimming competitions at the 2023 Central American and Caribbean Games took place from June 24 to June 30, 2023, at the Complejo Acuático Ciudad Merliot in San Salvador, El Salvador. This edition of the Games marked an important regional event, bringing together top swimmers from Central America, the Caribbean, and select neighboring countries. The event served not only as a platform for regional athletic excellence but also as a qualifier for other international competitions.
The swimming program included a wide range of events for men and women, encompassing freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, individual medley, and relay races. Both individual and team events were contested in a long-course (50-meter) pool, adhering to international standards set by the International Swimming Federation (FINA).
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## Venue
The Complejo Acuático Ciudad Merliot was the designated venue for the swimming events. This modern aquatic center features a 50-meter Olympic-size pool, equipped with electronic timing systems and spectator seating. The facility was prepared to meet international competition requirements, ensuring optimal conditions for athletes and officials.
The venue also hosted other aquatic disciplines during the Games, including diving and water polo, making it a central hub for aquatic sports in the 2023 edition of the Central American and Caribbean Games.
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## Participating Nations
A total of 25 nations from the Central American and Caribbean region participated in the swimming competitions. These countries included traditional swimming powerhouses such as Mexico, Cuba, and Colombia, as well as smaller delegations from island nations and Central American countries.
The diversity of participating nations highlighted the growing interest and development of swimming across the region. Many countries sent their best athletes, including national record holders and emerging talents, aiming to achieve podium finishes and gain valuable international experience.
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## Events and Disciplines
The swimming program at the 2023 Games featured a comprehensive slate of events for both men and women, closely mirroring the Olympic swimming schedule. The events were as follows:
### Freestyle
– 50 meters
– 100 meters
– 200 meters
– 400 meters
– 800 meters (women)
– 1500 meters (men)
### Backstroke
– 50 meters
– 100 meters
– 200 meters
### Breaststroke
– 50 meters
– 100 meters
– 200 meters
### Butterfly
– 50 meters
– 100 meters
– 200 meters
### Individual Medley
– 200 meters
– 400 meters
### Relays
– 4×100 meters freestyle
– 4×200 meters freestyle
– 4×100 meters medley
The inclusion of both sprint and distance events allowed swimmers with different specialties to compete. The relays were particularly competitive, often serving as highlights of the swimming schedule due to their team-oriented nature and fast-paced action.
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## Competition Format
The swimming events followed a standard format with preliminary heats held in the morning sessions and finals in the evening. The fastest swimmers from the heats advanced to the finals, where medals were awarded.
Electronic timing and touchpad systems ensured accurate measurement of race times. Officials from the Central American and Caribbean Swimming Federation (CCCAN) and other regional bodies oversaw the competitions to maintain fairness and adherence to international rules.
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## Highlights and Notable Performances
The 2023 Central American and Caribbean Games swimming competitions featured several standout performances. Athletes from Mexico and Cuba continued to dominate the medal table, showcasing their depth and strength in the pool.
Several Games records were broken during the week-long competition, reflecting the improving standards of swimming in the region. Notably, young swimmers from smaller nations made significant breakthroughs, earning medals and setting national records.
The relay events were particularly thrilling, with close finishes and strategic team efforts. The men’s and women’s 4×100 meters freestyle relays drew large crowds and enthusiastic support from spectators.
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## Medal Table
The swimming medal table was led by Mexico, followed closely by Cuba and Colombia. These countries secured the majority of gold medals across the various events. Other nations such as Venezuela, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic also earned podium finishes, contributing to a competitive and diverse medal distribution.
The final medal standings reflected both the traditional swimming powers and the rising talents emerging from the region.
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## Impact and Legacy
Swimming at the 2023 Central American and Caribbean Games played a significant role in promoting aquatic sports within the region. The event provided valuable international competition experience for athletes, many of whom used the Games as preparation for upcoming world championships and Olympic qualification events.
The successful organization of the swimming competitions at the Complejo Acuático Ciudad Merliot demonstrated El Salvador’s capability to host major sporting events, potentially encouraging future bids for regional and international aquatic competitions.
Moreover, the Games helped to inspire younger generations of swimmers across Central America and the Caribbean, contributing to the growth and development of the sport.
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## Conclusion
The swimming events at the 2023 Central American and Caribbean Games were a key highlight of the multi-sport event, showcasing regional talent and fostering competitive spirit among participating nations. With a full program of events, strong performances, and a well-equipped venue, the competition reinforced the importance of swimming in the Central American and Caribbean sporting landscape.
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**Meta Description:**
Swimming at the 2023 Central American and Caribbean Games featured top regional athletes competing in a full slate of events at the Complejo Acuático Ciudad Merliot in San Salvador, El Salvador. The competition highlighted emerging talents and continued the tradition of aquatic excellence in the region.