The first wave of stops in the 2013 FINA World Cup Series, Berlin and Eindhoven, saw a huge influx of talent as the result of being a short hop, and a quick turnaround, off of the World Championships
As the series heads into its Middle Eastern swing of the trip (Moscow October 12th-13th, Dubai October 17th-18th, and Doha October 20th-21st) more than two months later, however, it has not lost one bit of momentum.
Meet organizers have shared with us some of the headliners that will swim at the Dubai stop. That includes, of course, Katinka Hosszu, last year’s series champion, now newly-wed, who broke 6 out of 10 World Records done in the season’s first two stops.
Joining her will be 2012 Olympic champion Chad le Clos from South Africa, another former series victor, and the 2013 World Champion in the 100 and 200 fly. He currently sits first in the men’s standings with 6 meets left to go.
American-trained, Tunisian-born, Ous Mellouli will also travel to this meet not far from his home country. He was the 2008 Olympic champion in the 1500 free, and in the last two years has been impressive in open water as well.
Ahmed Al Falasi, President of the UAE Swimming Association and Chairman of the organising Committee said “This is the third time this event has been held in Dubai, and we are delighted that with each year we are attracting more world class swimmers to the event.
Others committed to the event include Russian World Champion Yulia Efimova, who won gold in the 50 and 200 in Barcelona; double Olympic sprint champion Ranomi Kromowidjojo from the Netherlands; Denmark’s Jeanette Ottesen-Gray; and a crew of short course World Record holders in Federica Pellegrini, Roland Schoeman, and Mireia Belmonte-Garcia.
American Anthony Ervin is also expected to compete, having committed to the remainder of the series.
After the hammering the breaststroke LC records took in BCN, between the world cup, Euro SC champs and the Duel in the Pool you’d expect those shiny SC records to be gone. Might depend who turns up to provide opposition, personally I’d love some more epic battles of the breaststrokers. Wonder what Ruta’s plans are… 🙂
I see a possible world record from Mrs. Efimova 🙂
Oh surprise, Katinka Hosszu is already back in the water!
There will be a few French swimmers too.
Jérémy Stravius will swim there.