Jack Burnell, from the UK, was runner-up in the men’s race with Italy’s Simone Ruffini finishing third. In the women’s race, Poliana Cintra from Brazil was second, ahead of compatriot Anna Marcela Da Cunha.

A delighted Olivier said: “It was a tough race with so many of us swimming in packs, but I put in a huge push in the last two loops and it paid off. We are preparing hard for the Olympics and this is just one step but a very successful one for us.”

Muller also spoke of the win as a significant step towards her preparation for the Rio Olympics later this year.

“I kept a steady pace throughout the race staying with the pack for first two loops before I accelerated and took the lead. There were a lot of great swimmers from across the world so I am really happy and satisfied to have won,” said Muller.

“This brings us one step closer in our team’s preparation toward Rio – it was a great day for France.”

Hosted by ADSC, the UAE Swimming Federation and FINA, the world governing body for the sport of swimming and sponsored by National Health Insurance Company – Daman, the swimming event witnessed huge crowds cheering the swimmers on the Capital’s corniche.