Mainstone Takes Fourth Place at World Cup Swim in China

WAIS open water swimmer Rhys Mainstone has taken fourth place in the 10km Marathon at the Shantou World Cup event in China.

The result comes off the back of a world cup win in Hong Kong recently, capping a fine performance from the Broome born swimmer.

Mainstone, who is the Australian national champion in the 10km distance, again produced another quality swim, to keep himself in the led group throughout, before eventually finishing fourth, marginally shy of race winner, Spyridon Gianniotis (1.50:41) of Greece, in a time of 1.50:46.38hrs.

Mainstone’s coach Mel Tantrum hailed his performances and said the results would provide a strong catalyst for his future development.

“The World Cups are an excellent opportunity for world class racing with eight swims in the series from January to October,” she said. “These competitions enable practice in pack swimming which is prefect preparation for World Champs and Olympics.”

“The priority for Rhys next season will be the World Championship Trials in NSW in February with the World Champs to follow in Barcelona in July. We are also aiming to compete in at least four out of the eight world cups in 2013.”