The 2016 European Open Water Championships kicked off today in Hoorn, Netherlands with the men’s and women’s 10K. A number of today’s swimmers are less than a month from their start at the Olympic Games. The 5K will be swum on Tuesday, the team event on Wednesday, and the 25K on Thursday.
Swimming for the home country, Ferry Weertman snagged a nearly half second victory in the men’s 10K. He finished in 1:55:20.6. Weertman also won gold at the 2014 European Open Water 10K.
Great Britain’s Jack Burnell was just behind in 1:55:21.2 for second while Marc Antoine Olivier of France finished third in the lead pack with a 1:55:21.6. There was a three second gap behind him, before most of the rest of the field battled into the finish.
Photo Courtesy: LEN
In the women’s race, there was a surprising tie for gold. Italy’s Rachele Bruni and France’s Aurelie Muller both finished in 2:07:00.1. Muller also earned gold at the 2015 World Championships.
Three and a half seconds behind the duo was Italian Arianna Bridi. She claimed bronze in 2:07:03.6.
2015 World Championship silver medalist Sharon Van Rouwendaal of the Netherlands was fourth in 2:07:06.
Photo Courtesy: LEN
Results can be found here.