Opening photo: MTI/Zsolt Czech Republic
The Seine is still clearly in a quandary. The organizers measured the levels of two types of bacteria in the river at 5 a.m., both of which remained below the limit set by the International Aquatics Association, setting the stage for the women’s open water swimmers’ 10-kilometre race. The race could start at 8:30 a.m. Among us, Bettina Fabian was interested in the number.
“I am less afraid of the swimming part, the training went well, nothing hindered me. I am more afraid of the Signa, we haven’t heard much good about it, and it’s true, we will try it first, how is the water, the current. I also trained with the boys on the Danube, and for several weeks on the Balaton, there is no problem with this part, although this flow is the least suitable for tall people like me. The competitors are also strong, so many factors are not in my favor, but I will do my best.” Fabian told Nemzeti Sport before the competition.
The start and finish line were III. It was at the Sandor Bridge. We couldn’t really hope for a podium finish for the Hungarian world silver medalist, but we could hope for a good performance. The 19-year-old from Fradi kept a good pace throughout the race, was 18th at the first checkpoint, was already 15th a quarter of the way through, and then he was getting better and better at the top. At four kilometers, the young Hungarian, who was competing in her first Olympic Games, was already in the top ten. In the last third of the distance, three of them pulled away from the others, and Fabian’s group of four followed at a decent distance. In the final round, the FTC competitor was in the second group, sometimes fifth, sometimes sixth, and we could hope that he could even snatch fourth place by a hair. Given the lead 800 meters before the finish line, the only question was in what order they would arrive. Bettina overtook her Italian rival on the second lap and was already in fifth place behind the Brazilian Ana Marcela Cunha who arrived as the defending champion. In the end, with great hair and a thrilling race, she crossed the finish line in fifth place with a time of 2:04:16.9 hours. The Dutch Sharon van Rouwendaal became the Olympic champion, followed by the Australian Moesha Johnson and the Italian Ginevra Tadeucci.
“It was very interesting, but at the same time the competition was very tough. I worked hard to get fifth place, and I am very satisfied with it.”
Bettina Fabian told M4 Sport after the race.
