Chloe's Corner - Under Picture Perfect Conditions

At the pre-race meeting in Beijing this morning, the Olympic 10K Marathon Swim athletes were told the water temperature is a near perfect 27ºC - 27.5ºC (80.6ºF - 81.5ºF). But the weeds in the Olympic rowing venue has grown a bit and come nearly to the surface of the water in some locations.

But, all in all, America's medal hopefuls Chloe Sutton and Mark Warkentin will have great conditions to compete in. There is forecasted to be a slight wind that will only cause minor surface chop and the humidity that dropped significantly. Coach Bill Rose of the Mission Viejo Nadadores and Chloe's personal coach said, "Everyone is feeling great and the conditions are good. At the pre-race meeting today, there was nothing new. The course is good and everyone is ready to go. Chloe's feeling great."

"The quality of the water is excellent. In fact, we were told it is actually drinkable. It was cool this morning after it rained in the evening. Tomorrow, we will leave the hotel at 6:30 am and head down to the venue for a warm-up between 7 and 8 am. At 8 am, Chloe will report to the Ready Room for numbering. The pre-race meeting will be held at 8:30 am and at 8:40 am, the swimmers will be introduced to the crowd for a 9 am start. The awards ceremony will be at 11:30 am."

"Paul Asmuth will be on pontoon #1, which is closest to the start, to feed Chloe. John [Dussliere of the Santa Barbara Swim Club will be on pontoon #2. With Paul and John on the pontoons, I will be on a bike going up and down alongside the course, " said Coach Rose.

"Because of the warm water conditions, we decided to allow each athlete to have two coaches on the course," explained Sid Cassidy, the FINA Technical Open Water Swimming Committee chairman.

"The time has come," explained Nory Krutchen, the FINA Bureau Vice President at the pre-race meeting to the athletes and coaches. "The eyes of the world are upon you and the sport of open water swimming."

Photo by Pei Qingsheng at the Olympic 10K Marathon Swim qualification race start.

Copyright © 2008 by World Open Water Swimming Association