David Davies

OPEN WATER

David Davies put in a world-class performance at the South African Open Water Championships in Cape Town back in February to seal his place for the next stage of Olympic qualification in the 10km event.

Traditionally a pool-based swimmer, Davies tested himself in open water as have many pool swimmers since the 10km was included in the Olympic programme.

A British squad of eight used the event to be selected for the 5th FINA World Open Water Championships in Seville back in May where athletes tried to qualify for the Beijing Olympics with a top ten finish.

With this inaugural win, Davies has taken a stroke towards joining pool rival Grant Hackett for the inaugural 10km thrash in Beijing.

In 1:53:58.00, Davies was a league apart from opponents, including the silver medallist, teammate Alan Bircher, an open-water specialist. The win qualified Davies for the 5th FINA World Open Water Championships in Seville on May 3.