The International Swimming Federation (FINA) World Championships will begin on Saturday in Budapest, Hungary. What to expect from the competitions, two years from the Paris Olympics? Will the Canadians be able to repeat their exploits from the Tokyo Games? Swimmer Benoit Huot, seven -time Paralympic champion, answers our questions.
Q. How will these worlds be different from the previous ones?
A. It will be an interesting competition to watch because many athletes are in a year of transition. Others have retired. Some make it easy, without putting too much pressure on themselves, after experiencing the Olympic cycle in Tokyo extended by the pandemic.
There are two intense years before the 2020 Olympics, and if we want to rest before the 2024 Games, now is the time. Many big names have returned to the pool, but it is not yet ready to compete. In 2023, there will be other worlds before the Paris Games. And, often, these worlds are the fastest.
This year, it will be a chance to see some swimmers emerge and take their place.
Q. Is the Canadian Women’s Team continuing the momentum?
A. Again, this is going to be a great week for the women’s team, I have an impression. Expectations were very high, after they put us in Tokyo. The main actors of these achievements are back: Penny Oleksiak, Taylor Ruck …
Maggie MacNeil was there, but she skipped individual events. He was the defending champion, he was hit by a post-Olympic episode, and his mental health was damaged at the beginning of 2022, along with all we know, the extra Olympic year, the pandemic, and so on. He and Swimming Canada have prepared a plan to reduce the pressure. He’ll still stay around the team, he’ll bring energy, and he’ll help the girls in the relays, but he won’t be forced to win a gold medal on his own. His ultimate goal remains Paris in 2024.
And by surrendering in her place, it gives way to Katerine Savard, who will see more action. He can definitely count on the top 8.
Q. And on the men’s side?
A. The men’s program is under rebuilding, but there is still a lot of great talent. Brent Hayden bowed, which would ruin the team’s chances in the 4 x 100m relay. We will see, I think, more top 8 for men than in previous years. But a podium would be harder.
Q. Who will be the big star for Canada?
A. The most interesting to follow is young Summer McIntosh, who is only 15 years old. He finished 4th in the 400m in Tokyo, with Canadian records. According to the FINA schedule, he will compete in three events, though he will qualify for five. This is a strategic choice. This will allow him to recover between each race and optimize his performance. At 15, he is young and versatile. We can expect good things in his case.
Kylie Masse should not be ignored. Consistency is his trademark. She’s a real metronome, she’s always close to her standards.
I think for Penny Oleksiak it was a year of transition. He can do great things, but I don’t expect a podium. He is an athlete already peake (reached the top) at the right time, often at the Olympics. He has never won an individual medal in the worlds.
Q. It will also be the first test for the women’s team, without their coach.
A. That’s the big question mark. This will be the big question in Budapest this week and elsewhere later, in the future of choosing Canada. It’s about the departure of Ben Titley, who stepped down in May after 10 years at Swimming Canada. Her contract has not been renewed, she is the mastermind behind the women’s team’s successes.
It is necessary to see if the girls will be able to adjust quickly to his departure.
Radio Canada
Source: Radio-Canada
