María de Valdés, a world silver medal in open water that takes her to Paris

María de Valdés made a historic start for Spain at the Doha Swimming World Cup, clinching a silver medal in the 10 km open water event. This marked the country’s first medal at the competition and added significant value to De Valdés’ achievement, considering that the race was won by the Dutch Olympic champion Sharon van Rouwendaal.

The pandemic has disrupted the swimming calendar, including the Fukuoka World Cup, which was postponed to 2021 and subsequently moved to 2023 due to the rescheduled Tokyo 2020 Games. With crowded schedules and multiple championships, the road to Paris, where the Olympic Games will be held in 2024, seems to be the ultimate destination for swimmers across the globe.

In the quest for Olympic qualifications, competitions like the Doha Swimming World Cup become crucial. Spain, with 75 representatives, is still in the process of finalizing its pre-Olympic lineup in various aquatic disciplines. While the women’s and men’s water polo teams have secured their tickets, swimmers in artistic swimming, springboard and platform diving, and classic swimming are vying for their spots.

Mireia Belmonte, a prominent Spanish swimmer, is not among the current competitors in Doha. However, she will have another chance in June at the Spanish Open to secure her place at the Olympic Games. Hugo González, on the other hand, has already qualified for Paris in the 200 individual medley and 200 backstroke, and will also compete in the 100 backstroke in Doha.

Several Spanish swimmers are on the verge of Olympic qualification, including Carmen Weiler (100 backstroke), África Zamorano (200 backstroke), Arbidel González (200 butterfly), and Carlos Garach (1,500 freestyle). Additionally, Spain will be represented in five relay teams: men’s 4×100 freestyle, 4×200 freestyle, and 4×100 medley, as well as women’s 4×100 medley and mixed 4×100 medley.

The absence of Russian swimmers in Doha is notable, as only those who had not voiced support for the war in Ukraine and had no pending anti-doping issues were authorized to compete as neutrals, without representing their national flag or having an anthem. The crowded schedule leading up to the Paris Games means that some big names in world swimming, such as Katie Ledecky and Caeleb Dressel, are opting to stay home. However, other notable swimmers like Sarah Sjoström and Ruta Meilutyte will be in attendance.