Doha (QAT), 1 November 2015: The world’s most powerful swimmers have arrived in Doha ahead of the FINA airweave Swimming World Cup Doha – 2015. FINA World Cup 2014 overall champions and FINA’s male and female Athletes of the Year 2014, Chad Le Clos and Katinka Hosszu, arrived at Hamad Aquatic Centre today as Doha prepares to host two days of incredible action in the water from November 2-3. Crowds can expect to see competition like never before as the world’s best will also be looking to claim their place at next year’s Rio 2016 Olympic Games, with the Doha World Cup meet doubling up as an Olympic qualifier.
Speaking on the eve of the event, Mr Khaleel Al Jabir, President of Qatar Swimming Association and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, said: “Today, we see Qatar’s commitment to growing and supporting the development of swimming continue as we prepare for the opening day of the FINA airweave Swimming World Cup – Doha. Over the next two days we will welcome sports fans, families and friends all witnessing the excitement of one of the most thrilling sports on earth. Each and every one of the competing athletes deserves and needs the support of fans and I would encourage everyone in Qatar enjoy this special sporting occasion.”
South Africa’s Chad Le Clos, Olympic 200m butterfly champion and reigning 100m butterfly world champion is a real crowd favourite in Doha and a force to reckon with in the water. Speaking ahead of his FINA airweave Swimming World Cup campaign in Doha, Le Clos commented:
“Doha for me is a very lucky pool. Last year was a fantastic year for me, I received the FINA Athlete of the Year award right here in Doha, and I also became the first man to do the fly triple, so I just want to thank everybody here for your support.
“One of the reasons I always come back here is because it’s always the best competition. I’m not sure how fast I can go but I’m here to compete against the best in the world,” he added.
Katinka Hosszu will also be making a welcome return to Hamad Aquatic Centre this November. Nicknamed the ‘Iron Lady’ and known for entering unprecedented numbers of events in a single meet, Hosszu made waves in Doha last year at both the FINA Swimming World Cup and the FINA World Swimming Championships (25m), taking eight medals in Qatar alone in 2014. FINA’s Female Athlete of the Year in 2014 and current leader in the FINA World Cup rankings so far this year, Hosszu will be looking to continue her dominance in Doha.
Hosszu said: “I love to come back to Doha. I believe I have broken seven world records in this pool so it’s one of my favorite places to race for sure. I’m excited this year, it’s going to be long course competition so it will be a little bit different this year, and I’m excited to race here tomorrow. I feel ready to race. I will be competing in a lot of events and I will try the best I can.”
Ryan Arblaster, FINA TSC Committee Member, also commented: “Last year proved very successful for Qatar with the hosting of the World Cup and the World Championships in Doha. I have every confidence that this year’s competition will be equally as successful. Testament to Qatar Swimming, we have 349 athletes and 46 nations competing here, the most number of athletes and nations represented at a World Cup event.”
Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the excitement of the FINA airweave Swimming World Cup 2015 in Doha, November 2-3, by picking up your tickets from Virgin Megastores and online from just QAR 10. Find out more at www.qatarswimming.com.
