Scotland’s Caitlin McClatchey, the double Commonwealth Games gold medallist, will make her open water debut as part of a ten-strong British team competing at the FINA Open Water World Cup meets in Dubai and Shahjah on October 17 and 21.

Olympic bronze medallist Joanne Jackson will join McClatchey as a newcomer in the 10km open water race in Dubai.

“The FINA Open Water World Cups will provide an experience of warm and calm water and a well organised event which I believe will get our new athletes off to a good start in open water swimming,” commented GB’s Open Water Performance Manager, Mark Perry.

“For the strong pool-based swimmers that are taking part in their first open water races this is about gaining some real experience in open water swimming.

“I believe that this will be a good challenge for our quality pool swimmers that are on the team and I think they will enjoy this experience.” 

Open water swimming is one of the main medal targets for the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

GB World Cup Team:

Tom Allen,  Robert Bale, Daniel Coombs, Daniel Fogg, Gareth Keating, Sophie Casson, Kaleigh Dawson, Eleanor Faulkner,Joanne Jackson, Caitlin McClatchey