Sean Penhale wins Men’s 800m freestyle gold: Day one – Western Canadian Championships
Sean Penhale of CASC astonished the crowd by winning gold medal of the Men’s 800m freestyle in the 17 and Over category on opening day of the 2012 Speedo Western Canadian Championships in Winnipeg, Canada on Thursday, February 16.
The 23-year-old Penhale faced a strong contest from Eric Hedlin of Island Swimming in the 800m discipline, but with his determinacy, he managed to edge out his rival on the finishing end for gold medal.
The 18-year-old Hedlin had a considerably quicker start that placed him prominently away from his competitors. With his outstanding efforts in the initial two rounds of the swim, Hedlin completed his 200 metres of the race in a time of 1 minute and 56.24 seconds. He was trailed by Penhale, who was almost two seconds slower from his foregoing finisher and hit the wall with a timing of 1 minute and 58.13 seconds.
Hedlin served notice of his talent in the following two rounds, where he sustained his top spot and wrapped up his 400 metres of the race by touching the wall in a time of 3 minutes and 57.27 seconds. Penhale managed in reducing the lead from his leading swimmer and reported 3 minutes and 58.25 seconds for the equivalent distance.
The arena witnessed a noticeable increase in Penhale’s speed in the next two rounds, where he gained a lead of almost two seconds over Hedlin by producing a time of 5 minutes and 58.84 seconds. He was followed by Hedlin, who ended his 600 metres with the timing of 6 minutes and 00.03 seconds.
With his persistent efforts, Penhale stood on the medal rostrum for gold medal as he submitted an effort of 8 minutes and 01.29 seconds. He remained just 0.53 seconds away from Hedlin, who followed him on the podium for second position by clocking 8 minutes and 01.82 seconds.
The second position holder was chased by Hedlin’s team-member, Keegan Zanatta, who captured third finest spot with a wonderful timing of 8 minutes and 03.15 seconds.
Penhale was excited after conquering gold medal of the event whereas the champion will end on Sunday to complete all swimming events.
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