This was the great test of the Spanish Open in Palma de Mallorca and it showed why. Africa Zamorano, Carmen Weiler and Estella Tonrath They will play in the afternoon two tickets for the Paris Olympic Games in the 200 backstroke because, in the playoffs, three lowered the Olympic minimum.
A rarity perhaps in Spanish swimming, but a reality made possible after the performance of all of them in recent months. Theirs Africa has lowered the minimum on many occasions and Estelle He also achieved this in a control. The great form of Weilerwith the Olympic minimum and a Spanish record for the 100 backstroke two days ago and after swimming the Olympic minimum last year, points to a fantastic event and it will happen this Thursday afternoon in the Balearic Islands.
The theory says that the two best in the final, regardless of their time, will go to the Paris Games in this test.. The goal for three in the drop of 2:10.39in a series with Zamorano in 2:09.57, championship record after removing it for a few minutes in between Weilerwho left it 2:09.60. Two tickets for the Paris Games have been filed.
Or not, because a few minutes later, Estelle will swim in 2:09.95, the best national mark in seventeen years after beating his previous reference, that leaves three separated by less than four tenths. Ahead, yes, the Canadian from the Mediterrani Kylie Massewho sent a companion 2:09.03, championship record, and can be an important factor in the afternoon. The Balearic Islands, in this way, are endorsing the year of absolutely great explosion to aim for the Games as well.
The rivalry between the three will be very important because, beyond the places and minimum, Duane da Rocha’s Spanish record of 2:09.13 may be in check, on the verge of its tenth anniversary. The competition between the two and Masse’s withdrawal could leave one of the best races ever for the 200 backstroke in Spanish swimming.
Africa has the best mark of 2:09.26 it has ever held, Carmen broke its 2:11.21 in 2023 and Tonrath dropped 2:10.29 which he did in a control in March, when he swam the minimum time. Therefore, there are now two personal bests. So, the Open’s women’s 200 backstroke points to a duel in style: two passports to Paris 2024 are at stake.
Women’s 200 backstroke heats results (Olympic minimum 2:10.39)
1. Kylie Masse (Canada/Mediterranean) 2:09.03
2. Africa Zamorano (Sant Andreu) 2:09.57
3. Carmen Weiler (Canoe) 2:09.60
4. Estella Tonrath (Palma de Mallorca) 2:09.95 (MMN17)
5. Nahia Garrido (Tolosaldea) 2:13.04
6. Paula González (Dolphin) 2:14.00
7. Sara Costa (Gredos) 2:14.39
8. Ana Cernadas (Fluvial de Lugo) 2:16.74
Source: La Verdad
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