After her victory, gold medallist Olasz said: “I came here in 2012 for the Qualification but I came third and just missed the Olympic Games because I was the second Hungarian. But today is my second Olympic Qualification and I definitely didn't want to live the same experience as last time so I really wanted to win. I managed to do so, so I am extremely happy right now!”
“This was probably one of the
toughest races of my life. All 47 of us wanted to make the selection and there
were another two really good girls from Hungary so I knew I had to be the best
Hungarian. That was probably the hardest part. But nevertheless I was really
confident and I had a really good training period behind me that backed me up,”
she added.
Silver medallist Ruiz, who claimed
the spot to represent Spain at the Games achieving a better result than her
compatriot Maria de Valdes (6th in 2h02m49s5), said: “I feel really good. It
was a really fast race but I am very happy with the result. I love this place
because the temperature is great and I like the swimsuit. We had a little bit
of wind but I love the waves. I am so happy!”
“When I touched the pad, I couldn’t
believe it! It was unreal and I was crying but overall very happy.”
Being the fastest today, the three
athletes automatically qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, while another
twelve swimmers also clinched an Olympic ticket.
Among those are Great Britain’s Alice
Dearing who came fourth in 2h02m01s1 and Portugal’s Angelica Andre (2h02m23s7).
Veterans Cecilia Biagioli from Argentina (2h02m52s2) and Ecuador’s Samantha
Arevalo (2h02m54s1) also managed to earn a place at the Games. Complete list
available below.
In addition, four athletes
representing continental qualification were selected today. These are Paola
Perez (VEN) for America, Krystyna Panchishko for Europe, Li-Shan Chantal Liew
(SGP) for Asia and Souad Nefissa Cherouati (ALG) for Africa.
Commenting about today’s event, TOWSC
Vice-Chairman Sid Cassidy said: “It was an incredibly clean race. We had very
few whistles and absolutely no red cards. The girls were very well behaved and
all seemed to feed of each other’s energy. It was exciting to watch. Thrilled
to have 15 more new Olympians.”
“The lead pack was so big for the
first two loops. The smarter swimmers were never in the lead. In the third loop
the pack started to break apart a little but I though the Portuguese girl
[Angelica Andre] did a great job at pacing herself into a good position. I
though the three of the podium performers swam outstanding.”
Ahead of the race today .FINA
President Captain Al-Musallam addressed the 47 women athletes. He encouraged
them and offered his and the FINA Bureau’s support for this key event, which
was a tunring point in their sporting career for many.
He said: “Good afternoon, first of
all I would like to thank all the athletes coming from all over the world for
this important event in Setubal, Portugal.”
“I take this opportunity to thank the
city of Setubal, the Portugal Swimming Federation for this wonderful event
during these difficult times.”
“Today with me are the President of
the Portuguese Swimming Federation Mr Antonio Silva, the President of the
Spanish Swimming Federation Mr Fernando Carpena and Mr Zouheir El Moufti to
show that the FINA Bureau Members came here to support you all and to thank you
on behalf of FINA.”
You are making FINA proud at this
important event, a qualification for the Olympic Games. Without you, there is
nothing. The athletes, the coaches are of utmost importance to FINA and me, the
President.”
By H. Al-Musallam
“When I say this, I say it because we
are one big family, the Aquatic Family. From now on and moving into the future,
we are going to work as one team and support each other. We need you, for our
sport. And you are coming from the sport that brings always hope for humanity
and improve our lifestyle. That’s why we love sport, that’s why we are here
today together.”
“On behalf of all of you, I thank the
city of Setubal, the Portuguese Swimming Federation and the judges and referees
that are here to support and assist you.”
“Enjoy your swim, get the benefits of
your performance. This is sport, there is no winning, no losing. We are all a
big family. Thank you very much and good luck!”
Medallists in Setubal
WOMEN
1. Anna OLASZ (HUN) 2:01:55.4
2. Paula RUIZ BRAVO (ESP) 2:01:57.9
3. Kate SANDERSON (CAN) 2:01:58.4
Qualified women for Tokyo 2020
1. Anna OLASZ (HUN)
2. Paula RUIZ BRAVO (ESP)
3. Kate SANDERSON (CAN)
4. Alice DEARING (GBR)
5. Angelica ANDRE (POR)
6. Cecilia BIAGIOLI (ARG)
7. Anastasiia KIRPICHIKOVA (RUS)
8. Samantha AREVALO (ECU)
9. Spela PERSE (SLO)
10. Yumi KIDA (JPN)
11. Michelle WEBER (RSA)
Continental qualification
Paola PEREZ (VEN) - America
Krystyna PANCHISHKO – Europe
Li-Shan Chantal LIEW (SGP) – Asia
Souad Nefissa CHEROUATI (ALG) –
Africa
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