PETALING JAYA: There was no joy for open water swimmer Heidi Gan in her second visit to Setubal Bay in Portugal as she failed to complete the FINA 10km Marathon Swimming World Cup race.
The Perth-based law undergraduate, who qualified for the Olympics at the venue two years ago, was forced to drop out of the 10-lap race on Saturday due to hypothermia.
It was the first time Heidi, who finished a respectable 16th in her first Olympic appearance in London in 2012, failed to complete her event.
The 2011 Indonesia SEA Games double gold medallist said it was a good learning experience for her.
“It is unfortunate I had to pull out after four laps. It was really cold ...16°C in some parts.
“I am not used to the temperature, but I am glad I was able to race because now I know how I must prepare for this kind of cold weather next time,” said Heidi.
Heidi also competed in the World Cup in Hong Kong last year. Then, she managed to finish a commendable 17th out of 37 competitors.
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