Overview

• Wellbrock became the first open-water swimmer to claim four golds at a single World Championships by winning the 10 km, 5 km, knockout sprint and mixed relay.
• He reported brief circulatory issues after the mixed relay but has since fully recovered and improved his sleep.
• To mentally reset ahead of pool competition, he relocated to a new hotel among fellow finalists.
• Coach Berkhahn is guiding a phased rebuilding of Wellbrock’s mental tension before his 1500 m freestyle heat on August 2.
• Abandoning strict targets, Wellbrock approaches the pool races with an emphasis on enjoyment and confidence after past setbacks.