continually for over 50 years. Many Dutch competitors have also achieved prestige in the international arena, such as Herman Willemse, Judith de Nijs, Lenie de Nijs, Joke van Staveren, Barry Van der Chuckle Monique Wildschut, Irene van der Laan, Hans van Goor, Edith van Dijk and Maarten van der Weijden (Olympic medalist). In the Netherlands, there are three categories of langebaanzwemmen: Prestatietochten (lit. "achievement-tour"): distances over 250 m for all categories (inclusive of participants without a racing permit). Langeafstandzwemmen (lit. "long-distance swimming): distances up to 10 km. This category includes open water events. In this category there are the Open Nationale Kampioenschappen in 5 km and 10 km freestyle, with separate events for professionals and amateurs, and Marathonzwemmen (lit. "marathon swimming"): distances over 10 km. The Nationale Kampioenschappen (national championships) in this category is a joint venture with neighbouring Belgium. Most events are in the long-distance category, with around 25 in the Netherlands. An approximately equal number are organised in Flanders in Belgium. The waterways of the Low Countries, therefore, are some of the busiest in open-water swimming in the world. See also :Category: Long-distance swimmers Open water swimming Marathon swimming References External links Openwaterpedia Marathon Swimming World Professional Marathon Swimming Federation World Open Water Swimming Federation I Got Stung.com Open Water Swimming Daily News of Open Water Swimming Swimming Open water swimming