LAUSANNE, Switzerland, August 9. ABOUT 20 swimmers (ten women and 11 men) from seven countries (Argentina, Bulgaria, Canada, Italy, FYR Macedonia, Spain and the United States) braved the 34km race of the Traversée Internationale du Lac Memphrémagog, sanctioned as the ninth stage of the FINA Open Water Swimming Grand Prix 2010 circuit, which took place in Québec (CAN), on Saturday August 7, 2010.
The consistency of Petar Stoychev (BUL) and Pilar Geijo (ARG) was evident once again, as both captured gold in their respective field.
This marked Stoychev's 10th victory in-a-row at Lake Magog and his 4th in the series this year. Stoychev, who is already counted as one of the greatest open water swimmers of all time, touched home in a winning time of 7h38m02s. Local hope Simon Tobin (CAN) was the sensation of the day, taking silver in 7h38m45s. This podium finish is a nice boost for Tobin, who already picked up a medal of this colour in Race 6. The powerful Damian Blaum (ARG), winner of Race 3 and 5, secured the bronze, clocking 7h38m56s.
The Argentinean delegation also took the spotlight among women, and once again, the closest challenger to the gold medallist Pilar Geijo – who won with a comfortable margin in 7h53m36s – was her compatriot Antonella Bogarin, who touched home more than ten minutes behind for the silver (in 8h04m24s). The bronze medal for Esther Nunez Morera (ESP), who finished in 8h04m34s, will boost her ranking to retain her place in the top-three, as she took bronze in Race 1, 5 and 6.
Full FINA Open Water Swimming Grand Prix 2010 calendar:
Race 1: January 24, 2010 in Rosario (ARG)
Race 2: January 31, 2010 in Santa Fe (ARG)
Race 3: February 7, 2010 in Hernandarias-Parana (ARG)
Race 4: April 17, 2010 in Sumidero Canyon (MEX)
Race 5: June 27, 2010 in Capri-Napoli (ITA)
Race 6: July 31, 2010 in Lac St-Jean (CAN)
Race 7: August 1, 2010 in Sabac (SRB)
Race 8: August 7, 2010 in Lac Magog (CAN)
NEXT RACE: August 14, 2010 in Ohrid (MKD)
Race 10: October 27, 2010 in Dubai (UAE)
The above article is a press release submitted to Swimming World Magazine. It has been posted in its entirety without editing. Swimming World offers all outlets the chance to reach our audience by contacting us at Newsmaster@swimmingworldmagazine.com. However, Swimming World reserves the right to choose what material is posted.