Dubai World Cup: Meet swim champs on show

Teams from all around the world will be arriving in Dubai over the next few days ahead of the FINA/ARENA Swimming World Cup, being held October 2-3, Tuesday and Wednesday, at the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Sports Complex.

These include 3 Olympic gold medalists, 11 current World Record holders and 10 current World Champions, guaranteeing spectacular swimming action sure to thrill the crowds.

Here’s a look at some of the best on show:

Chad Le Clos, South Africa

The current shining star of the swimming world Chad Le Clos is among the stellar field, guaranteeing some impressive action in the pool. Chad cemented his place in swimming history by doing the unthinkable at the London Olympics last month, beating Michael Phelps in his pet event, the 200m butterfly.
His victory over the man who is his sporting idol robbed Phelps of the chance to take the title at 3 consecutive Olympics, and elevated Chad into the swimming stratosphere. Chad then backed up with a silver in the 100m butterfly behind Phelps.

Therese Alshammar, Sweden

Alshammar went on to come second overall for the next two years before taking the overall title again in 2010 and 2011. Remarkably, she is still the woman to beat at the age of 35 and will be a serious contender for the title again, kicking off her defence in Dubai.

Daniel Gyurta, Hungary

He took the gold in the 200m breaststroke after finishing fourth in the 100m, which was won by Cameron van der Burgh of South Africa.
Triple World record holder Gyurta will no doubt be keen to avenge that defeat, but again neither can assume they have the gold in the bag as Marco Koch who took gold in all three breaststroke events in Dubai last year will be back to defend his titles.

Obaid Al Jassimi, UAE


UAE Swimming Coach Jay Benner is excited about the quality of the swimmers competing in next week’s FINA/ARENA Swimming World Cup, and is looking forward to another big challenge for his UAE Swim Team.
Benner believes that regular exposure to this level of competition is not only great entertainment for Dubai sports fans but also has the potential to motivate children in the region to aspire to international success.

Jason Dunford, Kenya


Kenya’s lone entrant Jason Dunford won gold in Dubai last year at the FINA/AARENA Swimming World Cup. He will be looking to repeat his success.

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