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Canadians gain valuable experience at FINA Marathon Swim World Series

News –

DOHA, Qatar – Three-time Olympian Stephanie Horner of Beaconsfield, Que., was the top Canadian at the FINA Marathon Swim World Series on Saturday with Dutch swimmers victorious in both races.

In the women’s 10-kilometre, Sharon Van Rouwendaal of the Netherlands was first in two hours, two minutes and 24.4 seconds. Leonie Beck of Germany was second in 2:02:25.2 and her compatriot Finnia Wunram third in 2:02:26.7

Horner took 27th place 2:03:46.5.

‘’Tactically Stephanie has learnt a lot and that has seen a steady improvement at this world level,’’ said Mark Perry, Swimming Canada’s Distance and Open Water coach. ‘’She was one minute 22 seconds behind the winner and swam a much better strategic race having a stronger finish and getting in touch with the top pack of swimmers. There is still work to do, but we know exactly what needs fixing next.’’

In the men’s 10-kilometre race, Ferry Weertman of the Netherlands was first in one hour, 52 minutes and 41.6 seconds. David Aubry of France took second spot in 1:52:42.5 and Simone Ruffini of Italy was third in 1:52:42.7.

Nicolas Massé-Savard of Montreal was the top Canadian in 34th in 1:53:23.5. Hau-Li Fan of Burnaby, B.C., was 47thand Eric Hedlin of Victoria 60th.

‘’Nicolas finished just 46 seconds off the winner in his first world-class field and now knows exactly what he needs to do to improve,’’ said Perry. ‘’Hau-Li Fan and Eric Hedlin both have some tactical and technical areas to work on when they get back to Canada.’’

Full results: FINA/HOSA Marathon Swim World Series 2018 #1 Doha (QAT) March 17, 2018