German swimmer Leonie Beck, already European champion in the distance, captured the world title in the 10 km in open water on Saturday in Fukuoka (Japan).
After more than two hours of effort in the waters of the artificial beach at Momochi Seaside Park, Beck, 26, produced an acceleration in the last few hundred meters to clearly outpace the Australian Chelsea Gubecka.
“The race was really tough, it was a fight! We had to fight to be in the right places before the finish. There I find it difficult to realize what has just happened, ”reacted Beck.
The young American Katie Grimes, 17 years old and already a double world medalist in the pool, took third place, beating the Dutch Sharon van Rouwendaal, reigning world champion, in the photo-finish.
The three medalists validate their qualification for the Olympic Games in Paris next year.
On the French side, Anastasiia Kirpichnikova finished in 13th place, ahead of Océane Cassignol, 16th.
“The last lap was really tough, the arms were a bit heavy and I couldn’t get my stroke out. Yet I was well placed leaving for the last lap, “lamented Cassignol. “It’s a big disappointment because I trained hard for this race, I was ready, it’s hard to finish like this.”
Kirpichnikova, of Russian origin and freshly naturalized French, will also compete in the 5 km on Tuesday. Still having little experience in open water events, the pupil of Philippe Lucas who trains in Martigues is especially expected during the middle distance events in the large pool from July 23.
On Sunday, it will be the men’s turn to compete for the 10 km title. Logan Fontaine and Sacha Velly will defend the colors of France and try to thwart the plans of the big favourites, the German Florian Wellbrock and the Italian Gregorio Paltrinieri.
