After her victory, gold medallist Olasz said: “I came here in 2012 for the Qualification but I came third and just missed the Olympic Games because I was the second Hungarian. But today is my second Olympic Qualification and I definitely didn't want to live the same experience as last time so I really wanted to win. I managed to do so, so I am extremely happy right now!”

“This was probably one of the toughest races of my life. All 47 of us wanted to make the selection and there were another two really good girls from Hungary so I knew I had to be the best Hungarian. That was probably the hardest part. But nevertheless I was really confident and I had a really good training period behind me that backed me up,” she added.

Silver medallist Ruiz, who claimed the spot to represent Spain at the Games achieving a better result than her compatriot Maria de Valdes (6th in 2h02m49s5), said: “I feel really good. It was a really fast race but I am very happy with the result. I love this place because the temperature is great and I like the swimsuit. We had a little bit of wind but I love the waves. I am so happy!”

“When I touched the pad, I couldn’t believe it! It was unreal and I was crying but overall very happy.”

Being the fastest today, the three athletes automatically qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, while another twelve swimmers also clinched an Olympic ticket.

Among those are Great Britain’s Alice Dearing who came fourth in 2h02m01s1 and Portugal’s Angelica Andre (2h02m23s7). Veterans Cecilia Biagioli from Argentina (2h02m52s2) and Ecuador’s Samantha Arevalo (2h02m54s1) also managed to earn a place at the Games. Complete list available below.

In addition, four athletes representing continental qualification were selected today. These are Paola Perez (VEN) for America, Krystyna Panchishko for Europe, Li-Shan Chantal Liew (SGP) for Asia and Souad Nefissa Cherouati (ALG) for Africa. 

Commenting about today’s event, TOWSC Vice-Chairman Sid Cassidy said: “It was an incredibly clean race. We had very few whistles and absolutely no red cards. The girls were very well behaved and all seemed to feed of each other’s energy. It was exciting to watch. Thrilled to have 15 more new Olympians.”

“The lead pack was so big for the first two loops. The smarter swimmers were never in the lead. In the third loop the pack started to break apart a little but I though the Portuguese girl [Angelica Andre] did a great job at pacing herself into a good position. I though the three of the podium performers swam outstanding.” 

Ahead of the race today .FINA President Captain Al-Musallam addressed the 47 women athletes. He encouraged them and offered his and the FINA Bureau’s support for this key event, which was a tunring point in their sporting career for many. 

He said: “Good afternoon, first of all I would like to thank all the athletes coming from all over the world for this important event in Setubal, Portugal.”

“I take this opportunity to thank the city of Setubal, the Portugal Swimming Federation for this wonderful event during these difficult times.”

“Today with me are the President of the Portuguese Swimming Federation Mr Antonio Silva, the President of the Spanish Swimming Federation Mr Fernando Carpena and Mr Zouheir El Moufti to show that the FINA Bureau Members came here to support you all and to thank you on behalf of FINA.”

You are making FINA proud at this important event, a qualification for the Olympic Games. Without you, there is nothing. The athletes, the coaches are of utmost importance to FINA and me, the President.”
By H. Al-Musallam

“When I say this, I say it because we are one big family, the Aquatic Family. From now on and moving into the future, we are going to work as one team and support each other. We need you, for our sport. And you are coming from the sport that brings always hope for humanity and improve our lifestyle. That’s why we love sport, that’s why we are here today together.” 

“On behalf of all of you, I thank the city of Setubal, the Portuguese Swimming Federation and the judges and referees that are here to support and assist you.”

“Enjoy your swim, get the benefits of your performance. This is sport, there is no winning, no losing. We are all a big family. Thank you very much and good luck!”


Medallists in Setubal

WOMEN
1. Anna OLASZ (HUN) 2:01:55.4
2. Paula RUIZ BRAVO (ESP) 2:01:57.9
3. Kate SANDERSON (CAN) 2:01:58.4

Qualified women for Tokyo 2020
1. Anna OLASZ (HUN) 
2. Paula RUIZ BRAVO (ESP) 
3. Kate SANDERSON (CAN) 
4. Alice DEARING (GBR) 
5. Angelica ANDRE (POR)
6. Cecilia BIAGIOLI (ARG) 
7. Anastasiia KIRPICHIKOVA (RUS)
8. Samantha AREVALO (ECU)
9. Spela PERSE (SLO) 
10. Yumi KIDA (JPN) 
11. Michelle WEBER (RSA) 

Continental qualification 

Paola PEREZ (VEN) - America
Krystyna PANCHISHKO – Europe
Li-Shan Chantal LIEW (SGP) – Asia
Souad Nefissa CHEROUATI (ALG) – Africa