Swimmers heating up in the Middle East

The 2013 FINA World Cup continued over the weekend, with NSW Institute of Sport swimmers Robert Hurley and Kenneth To both performing strongly once again.

Both athletes were on song in Dubai as they each took gold on the opening night of competition.

Hurley triumphed in the men’s 400m freestyle and To in the men’s 100m individual medley, before teaming with compatriots Emily Seebohm and Belinda Hocking to win the mixed 4x50m medley relay. To added individual silver in the men’s 100m freestyle.

Hurley and To were both on fire on the second night of competition in Dubai, with Hurley’s double gold highlighting the night.

Hurley won gold in the men’s 50m backstroke, the same event in which he is world champion, and men’s 200m freestyle, with To adding gold in the men’s 100m breaststroke and silver in the men’s 200m individual medley.

The world cup then moved to Doha, Qatar overnight, with To taking gold in the men’s 100m individual medley in a new Australian short course record of 51.19. To later added bronze in the men’s 100m freestyle.

Hurley carried his form from Dubai into Doha, with the NSWIS swimmer winning gold in the men’s 400m freestyle before securing silver in the men’s 100m backstroke.

The second night of competition in Doha takes place tonight.