Australia, Germany and Russia dominated the 3rd FINA World Open Water Championships, held in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, from November 26-December 2, 2004.
The competition, with three events (5, 10 and 25 km for men and women), had the participation of 90 athletes from 26 countries and regions worldwide.
Britta Kamrau of Germany, among the women's swimmers, was the star of the championships with two gold medals in the 10 and 25 km.
The Australians were better in the men's competition, with two world titles in the 5 km by Grant Cleland and 25 km by Brendan Capell.
Newcomers of success were also the Russians Larisa Ilchenko and Ksenia Popova (both 16 years old), who finished 1-2 in the women's 5 km.
Reference is also due to the first medal for Britain in a world championships thanks to Alan Bircher, who finished second in the men's 10 km.
In the medal tally, Germany comes first with three gold and one silver, followed by Australia (2 gold, 2 bronze) and Russia (1-2-3) . The Russian delegation also won the Team Trophy of the championships, a ranking that allocates points to the different places in the three events (for men and women).