(ATR) Germany became FINA’s 5 km team open water swim world champions July 30 at Kazan 2015, as the sport begins to turn its eyes toward Rio 2016 and problems in the next Olympic host city.
Christian Reichert, Rob Muffels and Isabelle Franziska Harle raced to a 55:14.4 time in the Kazanka River. Brazil and Netherlands shared silver at 55:31.2. Italy (55:49.4) edged out the United States (55:50.6) for fourth place out of 22 teams.
A report by Associated Press said tests it commissioned concluded that Rio 2016 open water swimmers could be at major risk of contracting viruses. Organizers’ promises to clean-up polluted Copacabana Beach water are unlikely to be fulfilled in time for the Games. Several 5 km open water swimmers at Kazan 2015 did not express concern.
"I’ve swam that venue a few times in Rio, and I’ve seemed perfectly fine with it," South Africa’s Chad Ho, the Kazan 2015 men’s 5km gold medallist, told reporters. "I haven’t had any issues."
Ho said it is unlikely he would make any special preparations for Rio, based on the water quality.
Greek swimmer Spyridon Gianniotis, the Kazan 2015 10km bronze medalist, declined to comment.
"I think the Brazilians will do a really good job," he said.
Sean Ryan of the United States, who finished fourth in the 10km race won by fellow American Jordan Wilimovsky, said he is placing faith in others to ensure his team is ready.
"It’s the Olympic Games we’re preparing for, we’re going to prepare for everything," Ryan said. "Both of us are excited to be in the Olympics. We trust the USOC and USA swimming that they’re going to keep our health as a priority."
Around The Rings awaits official comment from FINA about the AP investigation.
USA leads the open water competition in Kazan with two gold medals, while Netherlands has three silvers.
One more competition day remains in open water swimming. The men’s and women’s 25 km races go Aug. 1.
Written by Bob Mackinin Kazan
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