Spyridon Gianniotis seizes Men’s 10km gold - Marathon Swimming World Cup 2012, Patagones-Viedma
The 10km World Champion, Spyridon Gianniotis of Greece served notice of his noteworthy skills by seizing top position in the Men’s 10km event at the 2012 Marathon Swimming World Cup in Patagones-Viedma, Argentina on Saturday, February 4.
Viedma is the second juncture of eight-stop Marathon World Cup, organised by the worldwide aquatic sports governing body, Federation Internationale de Natation (FINA).
The Marathon Cup is of substantial importance as it paves the way for the 2012 London Olympic Games and gives an opportunity to open water athletes to flourish before the battle royal.
The 31-year-old Gianniotis, who captured gold medal of the opening race of the 10km Cup in Santos, Brazil, bewildered his opponents by clinching second gold medal of the championship.
The Greek veteran is the multi-event champion as he has made his country proud at numerous World Championships and European Championships. He obtained gold medal of the 10km swim while a silver in the 5km discipline at the 2011 World Championships in Shanghai.
He was also the winner of 5km team event at the 2010 European Championships in Budapest.
With his astonishing efforts, Gianniotis showed no leniency to his challengers and overpowered their efforts by ensuring his top spot on the medal rostrum. He experienced strong competition from Canada’s Richard Weinberger, but devastated his hopes by securing
gold medal.
Gianniotis remained in a lead of almost one body length from his subsequent competitor and transpired on the finishing line by posting an effort of 1 hour, 55 minutes and 29.01 seconds. His effort was traced by Weinberger, who stayed nearly three seconds
slower from the gold medallist and ended his swim in a second fastest time of 1 hour, 55 minutes and 32.18 seconds.
The silver medallist was trailed by Evgeny Dratsev of Russia, who stayed prominently away but settled on the victory stand for bronze medal by clocking an effort of 1 hour, 55 minutes and 35.32 seconds.
Gianniotis expressed contentment over his smothering efforts while the winners were awarded accolades after the session. Furthermore, the third stage of the World Cup Series is scheduled in Eilat, Israel on April 1.
Tags: