The Canadian Open Water team for this year’s World Championships was named following the completion of the 10k race at the fourth stop on the FINA Open Water Swimming World Cup.
There, in Cozumel, Mexico, Richard Weinberger managed a 14th place finish to top all other Canadians in the field and secure a roster position. Weinberger touched 14-seconds behind Jack Burnell who won the race.
Also qualifying for the team was Victoria’s Eric Hedlin who placed 19th overall. He grabbed the position over Philippe Guertin who finished the race in 33rd place. Hedlin trains in Victoria with Canadian Olympic medallist Ryan Cochrane.
As for the women, Jade Dusablon was the top ranked Canadian after the completion of the race. She was 27th overall. Samantha Harding was 39th in the race, also grabbing a roster spot for worlds.
With the team set, it appears that Weinberger will be one of the top Canadians not only on the Open Water roster, but on the swimming roster as a whole.
Weinberger was one of the three Canadians, the others being Cochrane and Brent Hayden, to earn a swimming medal at the 2012 Olympic Games. Weinberger took home the bronze in the 10k, and has not earned a major international medal since.
Cmon one of two to win medals in 2012?!? How could you forget Brent Hayden’s bronze in the 100 free! That was an awesome swim