Florian Wellbrock and Axel Reymond both won gold as a successful open water campaign concluded in Yeosu, South Korea.
While Wellbrock stood on the top step of the 10km podium, Reymond triumphed in the 25km, the final event held in rainy, challenging conditions.
Gregorio Paltrinieri – who Welbrock will face in the distance freestyle events in the pool – moved a step closer to making history after he was part of the Italy team that won silver in the 5km event.
If, as expected, the Olympic 1500m freestyle champion wins a medal in the pool, he will become the first man to win to stand on the podium in both the open water and pool at the same World Championships.
Wellbrock hit the touchpad just 0.2 secs ahead of fellow arena swimmer Marc-Antoine Olivier as the pair took gold and silver as well as securing Olympic qualification in the men’s 10km.
Wellbrock, of Germany, has emerged over the last 12 months as a real force in both pool and open water and he beat Olivier in a sprint finish over the final 200m in 1hr 47mins 55.90secs.
Paltrinieri was sixth (1:48:01.00), one place ahead of Ferry Weertman (1:48:01.90) who ensured he will attempt to defend his Olympic title in Tokyo next year.
The 21-year-old Wellbrock…
