Read what the athletes had to say following the first men's open water swimming medal event at the World Aquatics Championships - Fukuoka 2023.
Gold Medallist Florian Wellbrock of Germany) - 1:50:40
It's amazing; back on the top of the world. Double gold for Germany and also one bronze medal, so three Olympic spots for the German team. It's unbelievable.
I love to be in the open water to swim with my friends and with the competitors but I wouldn't say I like to get stuck in the pack, to swim at the feet behind someone. I like to set the pace, to decide where we have to go and when we have to be faster or slower. This is really nice.
The support was amazing. Before the world championships and the Olympics, all the big events, you can fuel the fire of fans and family and I am so thankful for all of them.
Silver Medallist Kristof Rasovszky of Hungary - 1:50:59
I’m really happy. I got a second and it means I got a qualification for next season's Olympic games, so I couldn’t ask more. Maybe the first place Florian was much stronger in the last lap so I’m really happy I could be. The other German for second place, it’s everything I saw. Next race for me is the 5km relay, and the pool swim will be the other plus side. I could get an Olympic qualification and I’m really happy. I could say anything more.
Bronze Medallist Oliver Klemet of Germany - 1:51:00
I feel really good. Making the Olympic spot in this race was pretty good. I’m so proud. It's really hard to qualify by open water. Also the pool too. So it's really good to qualify now.