FINA World Championships – NZ Open Water Day 2

Taranaki swimmer Charlotte Webby has finished 45th in the women’s 10km Open Water Swim at the FINA World Swimming Championships in Russia.

The 27 year old clocked 2:12.41.7 in fine conditions on the Kazanka River in Kazan.

Webby was 44^th through the first 2.5km lap, but only 21 seconds behind leader Aurora Ponsele (ITA) and London Olympic champion Eva Risztov (HUN). She held her place but lost ground with a 33 minute second lap to fall 2m44s from the leaders, and with a 34 minute third lap she was seven minutes off the pace.

A hot pace in the lead pack and a final 35 minute lap for Webby put her 14m37s behind the winner and in the 45^th position in the strong field looking for qualification to the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Frenchwoman Aurelie Muller surprised to claim the honours in 1:59.04, in a sprint finish with European champion Sharon van Rouwendaal (NED) as the pair slipped clear of third placed Ana Marcela Cunha (BRA), the current world cup series leader.

The rest of the New Zealand team arrive in Kazan today from their staging camp in Barcelona with the pool competition to start on 2 August.

Results, Women’s 10km Open Water: Aurelie Muller (FRA) 1:58.04.3, 1; Sharon Van Rouwendaal (NED) 1:58.06.7, 2; Ana Marcela Cunha (BRA) 1:58.26.5, 3. Also: Charlotte Webby (NZL) 2:12.41.7, 45.