Ferry Weertman, an Olympic champion from The Netherlands, is found pondering over the significant open water races that are set to decide the Olympic qualification at his hotel room in Doha. A gold medalist in 10k competitions in Rio 2016, he also bagged the world title in Budapest a year later, concluding his illustrious career in December 2021. Beside being a four-time European champion, Weertman currently holds a position on the World Aquatics technical committee. The crucial 10k races witnessed the women’s race taking place on Saturday 3 February at the Old Doha Port, to be followed by the men’s event the next day.
The medallists at the respective men’s and women’s 10k competitions during the 2023 World Championships have already secured their spots in the Paris Olympiad. With the likes of Florian Wellbrock, Kristof Rasovszky and Oliver Klemet among the men, and Leonie Beck, Chelsea Gubecka and Katie Grimes among the women, the Olympic qualification has already been secured. At least 13 swimmers in each of the marathon races will secure a slot to join the Fukuoka medallists, as well as an additional participant from each of the five continents. Additionally, the host country France is guaranteed to have at least one representative, with a maximum of 22 slots available in each race. According to Weertman, “The 10k competition is crucial and unique, as this year the countries who have already secured a slot can still qualify another one. For example, Australia can add two more swimmers in the competition to fight for one additional spot.”
As the Paris Olympics loom near, the athletes who have already qualified in either the 800 or 1500 free may also take part in the open water race. Notably, Gregorio Paltrinieri, the open water bronze medallist in Tokyo, is not competing in the 10k in Doha. He is being replaced by Dario Verani, a 25k specialist and the 2022 world champion, and European silver medallist. The hopes of Italy are pinned on Verani and Domenico Acerenza to secure two quota places, and Paltrinieri is waiting in the wings, being qualified for Paris in the 1500 free. The pressure is mounting on the athletes who haven’t yet secured a ticket to the French capital, such as Rio 2016 champion Sharon van Rouwendaal and Tokyo gold medallist Ana Marcela Cunha. In a statement, Weertman said, “If you look at past results, both of them often finish within the top 10 at Worlds Cups or World Championships. However, the race presents unique challenges, and it’s crucial to maintain composure amidst the stiff competition, and the pressure of securing a qualification spot.”
