Press Kit
Press & Media Resources
Approved boilerplate, key dates, quotes and brand assets for editorial coverage of the WOWSA Awards. Everything on this page is cleared for use by any journalist or outlet.
Boilerplate
Approved Descriptions
About WOWSA
We believe open water swimming grows when it's safe and fair. That's why WOWSA verifies the sport's greatest achievements and trains the community that keeps swimmers safe. We also present the annual WOWSA Awards, recognizing excellence across the sport.
About the WOWSA Awards
The WOWSA Awards recognize outstanding achievement in open water swimming across four categories: Marathon Swimmer of the Year, Pioneer Swimmer of the Year, Para Open Water Swimmer of the Year, and the Community Impact Award. Nominations are reviewed by an independent Advisory Board, decided by public and Academy vote, and formally ratified by the WOWSA Board.
About the partnership
The 2026 WOWSA Awards are presented in partnership with Outdoor Swimmer. WOWSA owns and safeguards the Awards' integrity: categories, judging, and ratification. Outdoor Swimmer serves as the editorial home and commercial partner, modeled on the BAFTA/BBC structure.
Fact Sheet
The 2026 Awards at a Glance
- Founded
- 2008
- 2026 categories
- Marathon Swimmer of the Year · Pioneer Swimmer of the Year · Para Open Water Swimmer of the Year · Community Impact Award
- 2026 Legacy Honoree
- Gertrude Ederle, marking the 100th anniversary of her 1926 English Channel crossing
- Nominations
- August 6 – December 31, 2026
- Finalists announced
- February 1, 2027
- Public + Academy voting
- February 1 – 14, 2027
- Awards ceremony
- Sunday, February 28, 2027
- Judging process
- Eligibility Review → independent Advisory Board → Public and Academy Voting → WOWSA Board Ratification
- Presenting partner
- Outdoor Swimmer
Approved Quotes
“The WOWSA Awards are our ticker tape parade, and we’re thrilled to share it with you.”
“On August 6, 1926, Gertrude Ederle stepped out of the water on the English coast having just become the first woman to swim the English Channel, nearly two hours faster than any man before her. New York gave her the largest ticker tape parade the city had ever seen.”
Photography
Photography available on request — including leadership headshots and Awards imagery. Contact the media contact below and we will send suitable high-resolution files.
Recent Coverage
Press coverage list coming soon. For recent coverage inquiries, contact the media contact below.
History
The WOWSA Awards began in 2008 as a founder-created recognition program. In 2024, WOWSA became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and the Awards are now governed by an independent Advisory Board, published eligibility standards, and formal Board ratification.
Read the full history →Media Contact
General press
Interviews, quotes, fact checks and asset requests for the WOWSA Awards.
awards@wowsaawards.comPartnership press
Enquiries specific to the presenting partnership are handled by Outdoor Swimmer.
outdoorswimmer.comWe aim to respond within one business day.