Clobbers, Whacks And Tears For Jazz As She Makes Open Water Debut

Jazz Carlin said she still had a lot to learn after finishing 14th on her international open water bow at the European Championships in Glasgow.

Wales’ two-time Olympic medallist in the pool finished the 10km race in Loch Lomond saying there had been a few bumps along the way.

“It’s my first international. It was a really tough competition so I didn’t know what to expect. I got a few clobbers around the nose,” said Carlin.”

“I made a few dodgy decisions and it didn’t really pay off. So I guess it’s about learning and finding out what works best for me.

“On the second or third lap I had a little tear to myself after I got hit around the nose.

It’s just one of those things you’ve got to get used to. Everyone gets hit, everyone gets whacked.

“I’m loving the training. The competition hasn’t quite come together yet. I’m hoping that will come in time.

“I love swimming outdoors, love swimming in a pack. Hopefully the rest will come when I have more experience.”

“This is only my fourth 10k swim, my first proper competition. I’ll talk with my coach, go back to the drawing board to see what works.”

Carlin clocked one hour 58 minutes 46.0 seconds to finish four minutes behind winner Sharon van Rouwendaal of the Netherlands (1:54.45.7)

Italy’s Giulia Gabrielleschi was second (1:54.53.0) with another Dutch swimmer Esmee Vermeulen taking the bronze (1:55.27.4)