ALEXANDER Skinner, Ronan Wantenaar and Phillip Seidler are looking forward to representing Namibia at the Fina World Championships, which start in Gwangju, South Korea tomorrow.
Including Namibia’s finest trio, a total of 2 623 athletes will be representing 194 nations at the 18th edition of the global aquatic extravaganza. The championships, which end on 28 July, comprise events that include syncronised swimming, swimming, open-water swimming, water polo and diving.
“Our athletes have trained hard, and are mentally ready for this challenge,” said Nicky McNamara, the Namibia Swimming Union’s press portfolio executive member.
“The Namibia Swimming Union wishes them well on their adventure. Make yourselves proud, and make us proud.”
Skinner will compete in the 100m and 50m freestyle disciplines, with Wantenaar doing the 100m breaststroke and 200m individual medley.
Open water specialist Seidler, who arrived in South Korea on Tuesday to acclimatise, will be competing in the 10km swim at the Yeosu Expo Ocean Park.
“The current conditions are rainy, and choppy water. However, with Phillip being a jetty mile expert, these conditions will work in his favour. The rougher the better,” his mother Nadja Seidler said.
Skinner and Wanternaar are joined by their coach Ryan Skinner, while Helmut Seidler is Phillip Seidler’s mentor. Sonja Skinner is the team manager.
