Britain’s marathon swimmers will be fighting for World Championship selection when they compete off the Mexican island of Cozumel over the 10km distance.
Seven athletes will take part in the fourth leg of the FINA/Hosa 10km Marathon Swimming World Cup on 2nd May and will bring to an close a two-part World Championship selection process that began in Australia in February.
British Swimming marathon programme lead Bernie Dietzig will head up the squad bound for Cozumel.
“Mexico is the second of two selection events we identified for athletes and will be a very tough race for them as they look to make the World Championships team,” said Dietzig.
“It’s a course we’ve swam before and therefore we know our athletes will be involved in an extremely hard race that is very tidal and features strong currents.
“The field promises to be massive as a lot of nations will also be selecting their World Championship team from this event – we expect around 50 women and 50 men to compete.
“It will be very hard but there is a lot riding on it. Away from the World Championships this will be one of the most competitive races in the year and promises to be very tactical.”
Dietzig believes the British contingent will be in good shape to take on the challenge in Mexico after a number of solid performances already this year.
“Our athletes are looking strong and go into the event off the back of a fair bit of racing experience so far this year,” said Dietzig. “Our performances have been progressive and I’m confident our athletes will rise to the challenge in Mexico.
“The challenge will be massive with more pressure on the athletes as there is so much at stake but I’m confident our athletes will go there to do their best.”
The British athletes competing in Cozumel, Mexico on 2 May are:
Jack Burnell - National Centre, Loughborough
Tom Allen – Swim Swansea
Alice Dearing – Royal Wolverhampton School
Dan Fogg – National Centre, Loughborough
Caleb Hughes – National Centre, Loughborough
Danielle Huskisson – Stirling Swim
Keri-anne Payne - Warrender