DOHA: The Qatar Swimming Association (QSA) is ready to stage the season-opening FINA /CNSG Marathon Swim World Series Doha to be held on Saturday at iconic Katara Beach, which will provide a stunning
setting for elite athletes in the 10km races.
The QSA, which organized the last two meets of the series in Corniche waters, is confident that athletes will have an amazing experience competing at this world class venue, which successfully hosted Open Water events at the inaugural ANOC World Beach Games last year.
This year’s FINA Marathon at Katara Beach will add to Qatar’s vast experience in hosting multiple world-class FINA events, including eight FINA World Cups and the 2014 World Swimming Championships (25m), as it builds up to the 2023 FINA World Championships, the pinnacle event of the aquatics calendar.
At the pre-event press conference on Thursday at Katara Beach, QSA President Khaleel Al Jaber said arrangements have been completed for the first competition of 10-meet series.
“I would like to thank FINA for giving us opportunity to host event like this. We consider it as a test event as we prepare for the 2023 World Championships,” said Al Jaber.
The QSA President was accompanied by FINA Technical Delegate John West, reigning world champion Florian Wellbrock (GER) and Olympic silver medalist Haley Anderson (USA) at the conference.
West praised Qatar’s effort in promoting swimming in the region and predicted thrilling races on Saturday.
“This is a very strong year for us and we have very very strong field. Big teams from countries such as France are participating as we build up to Olympic qualifying competition. We have a large field for this event, 82 men and 54 women, and this competition is probably stronger in depth of the field than the Olympic Games,” said West.
