Carnage in Canada

I think its fair to say that the World Championships in Canada have been one of the most extraordinary meets ever.

On Saturday, I raced the 10k – surely one of the most brutal open water races there has been. There were four red cards (two of which were for fighting) and five or six yellow cards. It was a real battle out there.

I must have led the race for about eight of the ten kilometres, but ended up coming 8th. I did manage to stay clear of most of the incidents but couldn’t quite finish it off in very difficult conditions. Obviously I’m disappointed with the final result, but there are plenty of positives that I can take from this and I have no doubt it will stand me in good stead in the future races. Better to get a result like this out of the way now than closer to 2012!!

The 5k took place earlier today and I was forced out of the race at the last minute due to severe stomach cramps. I was suited up and ready to go, but the cramps were just too painful and when I went to see the doctor he agreed that swimming would be the worst thing I could do.

Overall, the results in the water haven’t been what I would have wanted, but I am still in the World Top 10 for my events – so it just goes to show that even on my off days I’m up there with the best, which is one of many positives I can draw from my experience in Canada.

I’m flying back to the UK on Thursday and when I get back into training I’ll really realise just what a valuable learning experience this has been and that it can only make me a better swimmer.