The end of the season in open water swimming dominated, but disappointed at the start of the short course World Championship: The athletes of the German Swimming Association (DSV) experienced an ambivalent Thursday in Abu Dhabi.
Olympic champions Florian Wellbrock and Leonie Beck won the World Cup final over 10 kilometers in open water and each won the equivalent of 13,110 euros in prize money.
In contrast, no pool swimmers made it into the finals on the first day on the 25-meter lane.
“It was harder than the Olympic victory in Tokyo.
But similar to the Olympics, a good last lap brought me the victory, ”said Wellbrock, who then managed to“ cheat his way out ”of a winner's meet-and-greet at the Sheik's.
"I had to regenerate," said Wellbrock with a smile.
At the beginning of the week, he has to face the prelim and final of the 1500 meter freestyle.
"I'm starting out ambitiously and want to intervene in the medal battle."
Leonie Beck managed to beat the Olympic champion Ana Marcela Cunha from Brazil.
“I actually thought that was impossible.
Just like catching up and overtaking the top, ”said the woman from Würzburg, who will start her journey home on Friday.
"It's Christmas for me now," said Beck.
Just like for Sarah Köhler.
The Olympic third in the 1500 meter freestyle had finished her World Cup debut over 10 kilometers with 29th place.
"I had hoped for a little more," said national coach Bernd Berkhahn.
His swimmer would have kept up well for five kilometers.
"But I think it's good that she swam the competition to the end," remarked Berkhahn.
Köhler had not competed after the Olympics because of a shoulder injury.
Berkhahn was also dissatisfied with the pool swimmers.
"I had promised myself more," said the national coach.
Next came the women's 4x100 meter freestyle relay as ninth-placed quartet in the run-up to the finals.