Olympic champions Chad Le Clos and Katinka Hosszu are among the high-profile swimmers taking part in the Dubai leg of the Fina Swimming World Cup 2016 starting on Tuesday.
Hosted at the Hamdan Sports Complex, the Fina Swimming World Cup will see 216 swimmers from 33 countries compete in this leg of the series.
Hungary’s Hosszu, a three-time gold medallist at the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games this summer, is the star attraction in the women’s event.
“Thanks for inviting us here today. My very first competition was here in Dubai and I’ve been coming back for many years,” Hosszu said. “This series gives us time to train hard for the next four years; it’s an event I really enjoy as I love travelling around with all the swimmers.”
Le Clos of South Africa, who won two silver medals in Rio to go with his gold and silver from London 2012, is another of the big draws for swimming fans. Jamaica’s Alia Atkinson, and Vladimir Morozov from Russia will also be competing.
“I’ve been to Dubai many times, I was 18 years old and the youngest World Champion in my country, I consider Dubai as a second home,” Le Clos, 24, said. “We had two weeks of rest after the Olympic Games and we use the World Cup to get back into shape as preparations for the next four years begin.”
In co-ordination with the event, the UAE Swimming Federation will host a Children’s Fun Festival each day from 4.30pm to 5.30pm offering local children and aspiring swimmers aged 7 to 12 the opportunity to swim at the Hamdan Sports Complex just before the finals.
Additionally, the Swimming World Cup will also provide local swimmers, 14 years and older, the unique opportunity to partake in the event, competing alongside the stars of the sport.
“This world-class event not only provides great entertainment for the sporting fans and a chance to see Olympic heroes in action but inspires our children to become involved and to strive for excellence,” Ahmed Al Falasi, President of the UAE Swimming Association, said.
The event will start at 10am each day, with the finals scheduled for 6.30pm. Tickets can be purchased at the door for Dh50, with children receving free admission.
Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE
Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/TheNationalSport