Burnell set to lead World Champs effort

Olympian Jack Burnell, as the most experienced athlete, will spearhead the outfit in what will be his third World Championships.

The European silver medallist was a fifth place finisher at the World Championships two years ago and will contest the Olympic 10km distance alongside Caleb Hughes.

In the Women’s 10km Danielle Huskisson and Alice Dearing will represent Great Britain with Huskisson also set to compete in the 5km event.

Tobias Robinson and Tim Shuttleworth will compete in the Men’s 5km event and the team relay line-up will be decided closer to the events which are due to take place in Balatonfüred, Lake Balaton.

Marathon Swimming Lead Bernie Dietzig commented: “It’s one of the biggest teams we’ve ever produced for a World Championships which is really encouraging. It’s also a strong team which has clear medal chances.

“The build up to selection for these athletes has been good. Off the back of a slow start to the season, with not many races available, we’ve just had an intense period of racing which has seen athletes compete in Abu Dhabi, the U.S. and France.

- Bernie Dietzig - Marathon Swimming Lead

“It’s exciting to see some new faces on the team such as Tobias and Tim. It will be a tough start to their international marathon careers but I’m pretty confident. They have a strong distance pedigree and I’m sure this will transfer to the marathon event.”

The team will finalise its preparations in Setubal, Portugal on 24 June when they compete in a leg of the FINA Marathon World Cup. This will be their final race before competing at the Worlds just three weeks later.

The British Marathon Swimming Team comprises: 

Jack Burnell – National Centre, Loughborough

Caleb Hughes – National Centre, Loughborough

Tobias Robinson – National Centre, Loughborough

Tim Shuttleworth – National Centre, Loughborough

Alice Dearing – National Centre, Loughborough

Danielle Huskisson – University of Stirling