Two Pacific Coast Swimming athletes left early this morning for the 2002 Open Water Swimming World Championships in Egypt. Karley Stutzel was fourth in the 10km event at last years World Aquatic Championships in Japan and will be looking to move into a podium position this year. Stutzel is in her third year at the University of Victoria and is the two-time Canadian Female Long Distance Swimmer of the Year in 2000 and 2001. Stutzel will compete in the 5km and 10km events.
Joining Stutzel will be her PCS and UVic team mate Dave Creel. Creel won his first national titles this past summer when he took both the Canadian National 5km and 10km events to earn himself a spot on the World Championship team. Creel is also in his third year at the University of Victoria. As the new guy on the block Creel will be looking to turn a few heads as he takes to the waters of the Middle East.
Also traveling with the team will be PCS head coach Ron Jacks. Jacks will be the head coach of the Canadian Open Water team in Egypt. Jacks was the coach of Canada last World Open Water Champion Greg Streppel back in 1994.
GOOD LUCK DAVE AND KARLEY!!!
Check back here for on going updates during the competition.