What are the specific criteria for competing in the new open category?

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Specific criteria for competing in the new open category remain undisclosed.

World Aquatics will introduce an "open category" for transgender competitors at a World Cup event in Berlin in October. This pilot project represents a first for swimming World Cups. However, the precise eligibility requirements for participating in this new category have not yet been detailed.
Debut of the Open Category

The international swimming federation, known previously as FINA, announced that the open category will be launched at the World Cup in Berlin. This initiative is slated to take place in October and is described as a "pilot project." It marks the first time such a category will be featured in swimming World Cup events.
Background of the Decision

The establishment of this open category follows a 2022 decision by World Aquatics to prohibit male-to-female transgender athletes from participating in women's events at major competitions like the Olympics and World Cups. At that time, the organisation also formed a working group tasked with developing an open category. This move was framed by the governing body as a demonstration of its "unwavering commitment to inclusivity, welcoming swimmers of all sex and gender identities."
Initial Offerings in the Open Category

In its initial phase in Berlin, the open category will include races of 50-metre and 100-metre distances across all swimming strokes. World Aquatics has indicated that the scope of this category may be expanded in the future. The president of the governing body, Husain Al-Musallam, stated that World Aquatics was "committed to exploring the creation of an open category" when eligibility rules were updated in 2022.

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What are the specific criteria for competing in the new open category?

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