Hungary spot for quintet

A SIX-STRONG British Marathon Swimming Team has been selected to compete at this summer’s World Championships in Hungary, with five of the team based in Loughborough.

Olympian Jack Burnell, as the most experienced athlete, will spearhead the outfit in what will be his third World Championships.

The European silver medallist was a fifth place finisher at the World Championships two years ago and will contest the Olympic 10km distance alongside Caleb Hughes.

In the Women’s 10km Danielle Huskisson and Alice Dearing will represent Great Britain with Huskisson also set to compete in the 5km event.

Tobias Robinson and Tim Shuttleworth will compete in the Men’s 5km event and the team relay line-up will be decided closer to the events which are due to take place in Balatonfüred, Lake Balaton.

Marathon Swimming Lead Bernie Dietzig said: “It’s one of the biggest teams we’ve ever produced for a World Championships which is really encouraging. It’s also a strong team which has clear medal chances.

“The build up to selection for these athletes has been good. Off the back of a slow start to the season, with not many races available, we’ve just had an intense period of racing which has seen athletes compete in Abu Dhabi, the US and France.”

The team will finalise its preparations in Setubal, Portugal on June 24 when they compete in a leg of the FINA Marathon World Cup.