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World Junior Open Water Champs Conclude

Aug 20, 2012

WELLAND, Ont. – Germany swept gold in the three kilometre team relay events on Sunday to conclude the  inaugural FINA World Junior Open Water Swimming Championships which were held at theWelland International Flatwater Centre and Waterway.

In the junior relay (age 17-18), Germany won the gold medal to finish the meet with six medals.  The German swimmers were Rob Muffels, an individual champion on Friday, Finnia Wunram and Daniel Trosin. Russia was second and the U.S., third.

Canada took ninth spot with Samuel Matte of Quebec City, Nicolas Masse-Savard of Gatineau, Que., and Jade Dusablon of Quebec City. 

“It was a lot of fun, I have never done a relay like that before,” said Masse-Savard.  â€śIt is definitely a very strategical race and I felt we followed our game plan.”

“It was a very good experience,” added Dusablon.  â€śOur relay went well.”

In the youth relay, Germany won the gold with Felix Bartels, the individual youth champion, Erik Cesla and Lena-Sophie Bermel.  Russia followed with the silver and Italy third.

Canada took seventh spot with Liam Desjarlais of Prevost, Que., Oliver Straszynski of Toronto and Justine Rheaume of Montreal. 

“We did pretty good,” said Straszynski. â€śJustine was awesome and produced a much faster pace than in her five kilometre.  The biggest challenge is at the end as we try to stay together as a group.”

“We managed our race really well,” added Rheaume .  â€śIt was my first relay and it is certainly hard to try and keep up with the guys.  But they did a good job exchanging the team lead.”

Pierre Lafontaine, Swimming Canada’s head coach and CEO, said the competition was a big success.

“Everybody was impressed,” said Lafontaine. â€śThis was a great venue to initiate these younger swimmers to international open water swimming.  Welland has plenty to be proud of and the organisation was top notch. It has revitalized Welland as a sporting capital.”