Daisy Collins and Dillon Brigman Capture U.S. Junior National 5K Titles
After the U.S. Open Water National Championships featured the 10-kilometer races Friday, in which Katie Grimes and Mariah Denigan secured the spots to represent the U.S. women at the World Championships while brothers Brennan Gravley and Dylan Gravley did the same for the men, the 18-and-under swimmers had their turn on the course in Sarasota, Fla., Saturday with the Junior 5K race.
The winners included North Carolina Aquatic Club’s Daisy Collins for the women and Bolles School’s Dillon Brigman for the men.
Collins finished the race in 1:03:14, 14 seconds ahead of Laker Swim’s Rylee Erisman (1:03:28). After Erisman, there was a significant gap back to third place, with Crimson Aquatics’ Jane Wheeler earning that spot (1:04:16). Fifteen women completed the course.
In the men’s event, Brigman opened up a big gap on the field to win in 59:01, more than one minute clear of second place. Irvine Novaquatics’ Max Stewart touched in 1:00:17 for second, with Sarasota Sharks’ Colin Jacobs third in 1:00:47. There were 13 total competitors in the men’s event.
The event is scheduled to conclude Sunday with the senior-level 5K as well as the junior 7.5K race.