Abu Dhabi: Ferry Weertman and Sharon van Rouwendaal will star in the Abu Dhabi leg of the FINA HOSA 10km Marathon Swimming World Cup from 3pm at Emirates Palace on Saturday.
The Dutch swimming sensations, who both won gold medals in the 10km Open Water event at the Rio Olympics last summer, did not compete in the first leg in Videma, Argentina, last month and will now be the names to beat in the UAE capital.
But the Dutch will have their work cut out to beat the Italians, who dominated the first leg of the FINA/HOSA 10km in Argentina in both the men’s and women’s races. Federico Vanelli won the men’s race, while Arianna Bridi was the fastest woman. Both Vanelli and Bridi will compete in Abu Dhabi.
Talal Al Hashemi, technical affairs division manager at Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said at a press conference at Emirates Palace to preview the event on Thursday: “We are delighted to host the FINA HOSA 10km Marathon Swimming World Cup for the third time in Abu Dhabi, the only destination in the
region which hosts one of the most important open-water races under the umbrella of FINA. “This year we are delighted at the record participation of 126 swimmers from 29 countries, including many world champions.”
Abdulla Al Wheibi, vice-president of the UAE Swimming Federation, added: “This year the race will be different, as it is held in conjunction with the Abu Dhabi Swimming Festival which is really popular here in Abu Dhabi. We are pleased with the number of international swimmers participating; 71 men and 54 women will compete on Saturday in a world-class race and we wish all of them the best of luck.”
Visit www.swimabudhabi.com for more information on this weekend’s event.
Remaining dates on the FINA/HOSA 10km Calendar:
June 24 Setubal (Portugal)
July 27 Lac St Jean (Canada)
August 12 Lac Megantic (Canada)
October 15 Chun’An (China)
October 21 Hong Kong
