The Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA) was founded on 19 July 1908 during the Olympic Games in London (GBR). Eight National Federations were responsible for its formation: Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, United Kingdom, Hungary and Sweden.
Since 1973, FINA has organised the World Championships with a programme that includes Swimming, Diving, High Diving, Water Polo, Artistic Swimming, and Open Water Swimming. The previous edition took place in Budapest (HUN, 2017) and the next edition will be in Gwangju (KOR, 2019).
FINA and its aquatic disciplines are a pillar of the Olympic Movement and make a significant contribution to the success of the Games. Swimming has been part of the Olympic programme since 1896. In 1900, Water Polo became the first team sport in the Games; Diving made its appearance in 1904 and Artistic Swimming in 1984. Marathon Swimming (10km race for men and women) has been included in the Olympic programme since 2008.
In January 2018, under the presidency of Dr. Julio C. Maglione, FINA comprises 209 National Member Federations in five continents. Its principal objectives are:
Today, FINA manages the development of the following Aquatics events: