Rose, Kenny Win 25K Titles at U.S. Open Water Championships -- June 3, 2005

FORT MYERS, Fla., June 3. THE United States Open Water National Championships started Thursday with male and female titles decided in the 25-kilometer distance, the most grueling of the events. Both races produced convincing triumphs for the victors.

On the women’s side, Erica Rose bested the field with a time of 6:04:45, a mark well ahead of the second-place performance of Erica Watts (6:16:20). Kathryn Rosberg finished in third place and Rendy Lynn Opdycke was the fourth-place finisher.

For the men, Germantown Aquatic Club’s John Kenny prevailed, as he covered the 25 kilometers in 5:29:44. Andre Couturier placed second in 5:33:52 and Malcolm Lavoie took third in 5:36:56. The fourth-place slot was occupied by Dean Seaver (5:44:16).

Action continues today in Fort Myers with the championship races in the five-kilometer distance. The 10-kilometer crowns will be determined on Sunday.