Competitor Hugo González withdrawal from Singapore Swimming World Cup; Carles Coll spared from elimination
Swimming sensation Carles Coll is all set to dive into the pool at the World Swimming Championships in Singapore, though he missed the times required for selection. While this might seem unusual, the Royal Spanish Swimming Federation (RFEN) has made an exception for Coll, recognizing his significant achievements.
On the other hand, fans were hoping to see Hugo González, the reigning world champion in the 200m backstroke, defend his title. However, González missed the marks in all three events he was aiming for – 100m and 200m backstroke and 200m individual medley. Consequently, he has been left out of the team, much to the disappointment of fans worldwide.
The RFEN announced its team of 19 athletes, consisting of 10 women and 9 men, on Monday. This announcement came a day after the Spanish Championships held in Palma de Mallorca.
Carles Coll, who won the 200m breaststroke at the World Short Course Championships, was unable to participate in the trials due to visa issues. Despite this, the RFEN has justified his inclusion in the team.
Meanwhile, Hugo González, a double Olympic finalist from Paris, may have missed the mark not only in the time department but also in the good books of the Spanish Federation. González, who clinched gold in the 200m backstroke and silver in the 100m at the last World Championships, was 1.33 seconds off the required time in the 200m individual medley.
One of the team's star performers is Carmen Weiler, who, in Palma, secured her spot in three events – 50m, 100m, and 200m backstroke – for the World Championships.
The team also includes Laura Cabanes, Emma Carrasco, Estella Tonrath, Alba Vázquez, Nil Cadevall, Arbidel González, Iván Martín, and Adrián Santos.
For the relay teams, the RFEN has added María Daza, Jimena Ruiz, Nacho Campos, Sergio de Celis, Luca Hoek, and Miguel Pérez-Godoy to the roster.
Carles Coll's inclusion in the World Swimming Championships team is a testament to his achievements, even though he missed the trials due to visa issues. On the contrary, Hugo González's miss in the time department and possibly the good books of the Spanish Federation might have contributed to his exclusion from the championships.
