Mainstone Sixth in Dubai Open Water World Cup
WAIS swimming athlete Rhys Mainstone has returned a career best effort of sixth place at the 10km open water World Cup event in Dubai over the weekend.
Mainstone – who competed at the Rome World Championships earlier in the year – produced a measured and assured swim, showing strong tactical awareness for someone so young.
Swimming Australia Open Water Head Coach Greg Towle said in a tough field he was particularly impressed with the performance of the 19-year-old from WA.
“I was really happy with all the results but particularly with Rhys, he swam a very gutsy race and for him to finish in the top ten is a great result,” said Towle.
Mainstone will now head into Wednesday’s race in Sharjah with top confidence knowing he can match it with competitors with more experience than he.
Fellow Australian and Rome silver medallist Trent Grimsey finished eighth, whilst another WAIS scholarship holder, Melissa Benson finished 20th in the women’s 10km open water event.