Russian Wins in Open Water Debut
August 20, 2008 by Sandy Mitchell
Filed under Sports Rumors
Russia’s Larisa Ilchenko won the women’s 10km swimming marathon in the event’s Olympic debut. She finished the race in 1hr 59:27.7. Great Britain’s Keri-Anne Payne took the Silver Medal and her countryman, Cassandra Patten took the Bronze Medal.
Natalie du Toit of South Africa, the only woman to qualify for both the Olympics and the Paralympics, finished 16th. du Toit, who lost her left leg in a motor scooter accident swam without her prosthetic leg.
Yes, Larisa came through once again in the fastest, most competitive 10K marathon swim ever. The British duo really pushed the pace throughout the swim, but Larisa hung on and protected her position right behind them throughout the race. Larisa swam a classic race and is to be celebrated as a very deserving Olympic champion.