Ryan and Twichell nab the 5K open water swim crowns: 2011 5K Open Water National Championships
After the scintillating performances of Alex Meyer and Eva Fabian last week, Sean Ryan and Ashley Twichell won the 5km open water swimming titles at the 2011 5K Open Water National Championships at Fort Lauderdale in Florida, on June 12.
Firstly, the Men’s 5km open water swimming crown was taken over by Sean Ryan with a sterling time of 53 minutes and 11.79 seconds. Placed second in the corresponding race was Chip Peterson of Pine Knolls Shores, N.C. with a time of 54 minutes and 42.73 seconds,
while Ryan Feeley of Rye, N.Y. wound up third after he crossed the finishing line and ended his effort with a time of 54 minutes and 43.29 seconds.
While speaking after the race, Sean Ryan said, “I really wanted to get out ahead from the start and take it around the first turn. Once I saw that I had a break between myself and everyone else I knew I couldn't slow down and I had to continue my lead.”
On the other hand, the Women’s 5km open water swim crown was clinched by Ashley Twichell against Christine Jennings and Recca Mann. At the initial stages in the first half of the 5km open water swim race, Jennings of Longmont Colo was taking the lead over
her competitors, but afterwards, the entire race belonged to Twichell, who won it convincingly due to her spotless speed and durable stamina.
After the execution of the meet, Twichell said, “My strategy worked well today. I wanted to stay strong for about three-quarters of the race then pick up and try to break away.”
Another important fact here is that the winning open water swimmers from this championship have squeezed through the 2011 FINA World Championships in Shanghai. The FINA World Championships are going to be held from July 16-31, in China.
Meanwhile, Sean Ryan and Ashley Twichell claimed that they are well prepared for the mega event. Both swimmers hope to perform well and attain the best results for their nation at the World Championships.
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