Dutch Olympic heroes set to star at Fina Hosa

abu dhabi — The Netherlands heroes at the Rio Olympics Ferry Weertman and Sharon van Rouwendaal will star in the Abu Dhabi leg of the Fina Hosa 10km Marathon Swimming World Cup at Emirates Palace on Saturday.

A record 126 swimmers from 29 countries and champions will be in fray in the third edition.

The Dutch heroes, who both won gold medals in the 10km Open Water at the Rio Olympic Games last summer, did not compete in the first leg in Videma, Argentina last month and will now be the names to beat in the Capital leg.

Van Rouwendaal, 23, said she can’t wait for the action to begin.

“I was in Abu Dhabi as ambassador for the Abu Dhabi Swimming Festival last year and can’t wait to get back to Emirates Palace again. It is such a great venue for the Series and the Abu Dhabi leg promises to be a great occasion,” she said at the Press conference on Thursday.

Fina president Julio C. Maglione said: “The Fina family is always happy to be back in the UAE, where many top-level events take place annually. I am sure that our best marathon swimmers will greatly enjoy the race in Abu Dhabi and I wish the best luck to all participants, in this beautiful place.”

UAE Swimming Federation vice-president Abdulla Al Wheibi said the race will be different, as it is held in conjunction with the Abu Dhabi Swimming Festival.

“We are pleased with the number of international swimmers participating – 71 men and 54 women will compete on Saturday in a world-class race and we wish all of them the best of luck.”