The Quad Cities area is among the 50 top locations for swimming in the entire country.
The rankings, created by USA Swimming and swimwear maker Speedo, were based on the percentage of active swimmers and swim clubs, the number of accessible pools and the volume of top-level swimmers from the area. The study also took into consideration the number of swimmers that qualify for high-level competitions, the number of competitive and fitness swimmers and the number of public swim facilities available in each city.
“This list can be an inspiration for kids and families everywhere to get involved in a sport that accommodates all lifestyles,” said USA Swimming Chief Marketing Officer Matt Farrell.
“These cities – and all the swimmers in each – are terrific ambassadors for our sport and an example of how, and why, participation in swimming continues to grow,” said Speedo USA President Jim Gerson.
Ann Arbor, Michigan took the top spot. More than 60 Olympic swimmers were part of the University of Michigan swim program and its USA Swimming clubs. The Quad Cities ranked #29 on the list; that’s higher than Milwaukee, Omaha and Chicago.