Montreal nearly loses FINA Championships.(Newsroom)(Federation Internationale de Natation Amateur)

The competitive swimming world spent the better part of a month in disarray after FINA abruptly cancelled Montreal's contract for the upcoming 11th World Swimming Championships, citing the city's lackluster fundraising, then suddenly reinstated it. This summer's event is a first for North America.

The flip-flop apparently came after FINA officials realized there wasn't enough time for another host city to prepare for the event, despite bids from Athens, Moscow and Berlin. In addition, some teams had already made flight and hotel arrangements.

FINA said its decision was also based on the fact that Montreal had made "infrastructure investments"; the city had finally met its contractual obligations; and "the numerous appeals" it received from citizens and Montreal organizations supporting the event.

FINA originally cancelled Montreal's contract because the city failed to reach its $12 million budget goal. Even though the city still managed to secure the championships, some say the touch-and-go way in which it did reflects a lack of North American interest in swimming compared to the rest of the world.

However, others disagree. "The interest is there. It's more of a structural problem," said Rich Foster, president of USA Water Polo in Long Beach, Calif. ...