London Olympics Test Event Review, An Insider’s Look at the Open Water Race Site

Guest editorial by John Dussliere

LONDON, England, August 13. THE London International 10k Marathon swim has now finished as most everyone I know is just getting home from Saturday morning practice. The day began in London with some rain and then race organizers were quite happy when the clouds parted just prior to the race start and the course was in the sun for most of the day.

The women's race provided a rather conservative, if not textbook tactical race as the pack stayed together for more than 8,000 meters before Martina Grimaldi (Italy), Eva Fabian (USA), and Poliana Okimoto (Brazil) took a clear lead away from the rest of the pack and finished in that order. Though just under two seconds behind Grimaldi's gold, America's Christine Jennings probably played the best tactical game on the day as she went out with the leaders through the first 3500 meters, then dropped back and let the others do the lead work. Had she waited just a bit longer before making her surge toward the lead, she likely would have made it on the podium.

Sixth-place finisher Melissa Gorman (AUS) seemed to take on the whole race as practice for the 2012 event in that she spent some time in the lead, some time in the pack, and took advantage of great feeds on each lap.

As stated in the race preview; water temperatures were pretty ideal in the serpentine course, Poliana Okimoto from Brazil clearly stated otherwise in the post race press conference as she stated eloquently but rather emphatically: "the water was very cold and it was difficult in the start and the middle, but I felt good on the last lap."

She went on to say that she will make adjustments by lowering the pool temperature where she trains. Then when asked about the course layout Okimoto went on to say that the "the short course does not give space to swim and it is very bad for us."

Fabian and Grimaldi were a bit more positive on both matters agreeing that the course will provide for a very fast race next year and having the spectators lined along the entire lake will be a plus as well. When asked about being in close quarters on such a narrow course the three women all seemed to agree that this course setup encourages contact between the competitors as there is only so much space available when you are trying to change position.

America's Eva Fabian made the trade off of leading the race rather than getting bumped around in the pack, which was a decision that was certainly a wise one, though she did take a hit to the nose on the final sprint from the eventual winner Martina Grimaldi of Italy. Watching their demeanor during the press conference, it was clearly incidental as they both found it somewhat amusing. Missing from the race today was American Ashley Twichell, who spent the past 24 hours in bed sick with a stomach problem. Though feeling a bit better today, not well enough for such a rigorous race.

On the men's race, the not-yet-qualified-for-London Canadian swimmer Richard Weinberger made an impressive move in the 5th lap and was not caught by the veteran stars Thomas Lurz (2nd) or Spyros Gianniotis (3rd) on the final lap.

It seemed that they let him go with the hopes he would tire or they would naturally catch him. Weinberger won the race going away without even the need for a final sprint.

Everyone in the race seemed to have left the race with something to adjust in their preparations for next years' Olympic race. Lurz plans to put on a bit more body fat in order to handle the water temp better. He also commented that he believes this shorter course is great for the spectators and therefore great for the sport.

Gianniotis said the race was one of the hardest he has done, but he was very pleased with his third-place finish. His original goal was just to check out the venue to make plans for his training leading into the games.

American Olympian Alex Meyer came into the race admittedly out of top condition, though he held a solid top 6 position through the first 4 laps, then dropping to ninth at one point in the 5th lap, and eventually holding off Australian Ky Hurst for seventh at the finish by 6 tenths of a second.

Hurst feels that this venue is the best thing for everyone involved stating: "With the beautiful park and all of the fans right up on the course, there may not be a better place in the world for a 10k Race".

In all, today gave clear notice that this is a great place to race. The organizers have little to nothing to do in terms of making changes. When asked about the venue; Gianniotis, Lurz, and Weinberger all raved about the fact that the set up in Hyde Park will help to catapult the profile of the sport.

For the spectators, both the thousands in attendance and millions at home, the Games will provide a chance to see the whole race unfold before them as opposed to sending the athletes out to sea where no-one knows what's happening until they come back. The smaller course and public venue is a clear sign to future race organizers that this will help them market their races, and the athletes are much happier when they feel the crowd as a part of the race.

Maybe the best thing about the Hyde Park location for the Olympic Games 10k Marathon Swim is the simple fact that it will be the only event that is free, lasts 2 hours, and the entire family can have a picnic in the park before, during, and after the event.

I have now seen the sport of Open Water Swimming from yet another perspective, that of a journalist, where access is the name of the game and I thank Swimming World Magazine for the opportunity. It will certainly be a different situation next year when I attend as a fan.

After spending the week in London seeing the sights, catching up with great friends, and covering the race, I can say without hesitation that I look forward to coming back and hope that that as many as possible join me next year in Hyde Park for a spectacular Olympic Event.

"London Prepares" is the name of the series of test events that are taking place all over the city in preparation for the 2012 Games. If today's race is any indication of their preparation, we are in for a treat next year. As for souvenirs, I will be coming home on Monday with one that I did not expect to collect while in London: sunburn.

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