Gold medallist, Ana Marcela Cunha, BRA, 5:21:58.40
Patience is the most important thing in the long course, concerning the fact that we spend several hours in the water. Fourtunately, I managed to swim behind the lead pack as I had planned. I knew that the arrival of men’s pack would be the key factor, so those who manage to keep up with them would be in a better position. I didn’t bother about the hot weather, while swimming I focused exclusively on myself as usual.
Silver medallist, Sharon van Rouwendaal, NED, 5:22:00.80
I was really relaxed at the beginning. I was waiting for the moment when men came, then I tried to lead women’s pack. It was eight kilometres left and I was ready for sprinting and pacing. When we arrived at the 21st kilometre I thought I would try to continue this pace. I felt I would claim a medal. I didn’t think about weather conditions, I just concentrated on my race.
Bronze medallist, Arianna Bridi, ITA 5:22:08.20
It had to fight very hard to claim the third place. This was my third 25 km and this is my best result so far at the event. The weather was too hot for me today. I hate warm water because it takes too much energy, yet I just tried to ignore it and focus on my race.
