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Doha will host amazing 2023 FINA Worlds, says Wellbrock

Doha will host amazing 2023 FINA Worlds, says Wellbrock

The Peninsula

Reigning 10km open water world champion, Florian Wellbrock rates Doha as a special venue and hopes to compete in the Qatari capital when it hosts the FINA World Aquatics Championships in three years time.


The German star is here to defend his title at the FINA /CNSG Marathon Swim World Series Doha (QAT) 2020, which will take place today in turquoise Katara waters.


“I am always happy to come here. Last year, I competed in the meet at Corniche and won the race. Katara also looks beautiful,” Wellbrock told The Peninsula.


“Competing in Doha always excites me. It is a special venue for me for a number of reasons, the beautiful buildings around which is rare on the circuit we compete in,” he added.


Doha is considered as one of the best venues in the world to stage major swimming events. Over the years the Qatar capital played host to many world class competitions including eight FINA World Cups and the 2014 World Swimming Championships (25m) besides staging the Open Marathon since 2018.


Wellbrock, who made history at the 2019 World Aquatics Championships in Gwangju, South Korea by becoming the first swimmer to win both the 1500m freestyle and the 10 km open water races, said he would be happy to participate at the 2023 World Championships in Doha.


“Good thing that Qatar is hosting the World Championships. The venues here are very nice and I am really happy about that,” said the 22-year-old.


“Qatar will host amazing World Championships. Doha is an amazing city and it’s good that the World Championships will be taking place here,” Wellbrock added.


Speaking about his title defence in Doha today, the German athlete said he faces a tough challenge due to star-studded line-up which also includes 2019 overall champion Kristóf Rasovszky of Hungary and Netherlands’ Olympic champion Ferry Weertman.


“The field is strong in the men’s race and it’s going to be a difficult race. Last year we had water temperature of around 20 degrees and this time we have 16 degrees or 17 degrees so it could be harder to defend the title,” he added.


Wellbrock said he would give his best to start the Olympics year on a good note.


“It’s an important year for everyone. I have worked hard for this race but nobody knows who will win,” he said.


“It’s the first 10km race of the Olympic season. We had training ahead of the season but not in cold water, we prepared for hot water for Tokyo Olympics so it’s going to be a different race year for us,” he added.


Today’s FINA Marathon Swim World Series Doha (QAT) 2020 will kick of the 10-meet competition. The men’s marathon will see 82 racers in action while 54 athletes will make a splash in women’s race.