Germany and Brazil Dominate the First Round of FINA Marathon Swim
Doha, February 17, 2019 - Florian Wellbrock of Germany and Ana Marcela Cunha of Brazil were the fastest yesterday in Doha, Qatar, the inaugural leg of the FINA Marathon Swim Series 2019.
Wellbrock touched home first in 1h52m21s6, while Hungary's Kristof Rasovsky was second in 1h52m22s8. United States' Jordan Wilimovsky completed the podium, clocking a time of 1h52m24s4. Italy's long distance star Gregorio Paltrinieri was fourth in 1h52m28s1.
In the women's race, 2018 overall Series winner Cunha clocked the best time in 2h03m51s5, while newcomer Kareena Lee of Australia secured the second position in 2h03m52s0 and Italy's veteran Rachele Bruni clinched the bronze medal in 2h03m53s0.
Olympic champion and last year winner in Doha Sharon Van Rouwendaal (NED) ended in the twelfth position yesterday in 2h04m05s2.
The QOC Secretary General HE Mr. Jassim Al Buenain and President of Qatar Swimming Association head of the organizing committee Khaleel Al Jabir handed out the medals for the top three winners in the men and women categories.
The Series resumes on May 12 in the Seychelles (SEY) for the second-out-of-nine leg, before heading to Portugal and Hungary.
The total prize money of each round of the competition is $30,000 divided among the top eight men and women. The prize money for the final standings after the eight rounds is $250,000.
The QOC Secretary General HE Mr. Jassim Al Buenain praised the success of the first round.
He said that Qatar has become a capital for international sporting events and competitions. He noted that 2019 will see the hosting of 50 different sporting events, the most notable of which will be the World Championships in Athletics that is set to take place in September.
On the Doha Open Water Challenge, he said that the current year's edition saw a growing number of participants. He congratulated all swimmers who won and those who completed the challenge. He also thanked the Qatar Swimming Association (QSA) for their good organization of the challenge they held in cooperation with FINA.
Al Buenain also highlighted that Qatari sports and athletes make great gains from hosting such distinguished international events. He added that they become a perfect opportunity for Qatari players to gain experience by competing with the best world champions.
President of Qatar Swimming Association Khaleel Al Jabir for his part praised the high level shown in the first round of the 10 Km challenge, in which 136 of the best swimmers around the world competed. He said that competition was very strong, evident by the marginal differences that separated the top participants. He also expressed his delight with FINA and the participating delegations' praise of the level of organization.
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