Ashley Twichell Powers To An Impressive Victory in 10K at USA Swimming Open Water Nationals; Haley Anderson Places Second to Earn Place in Olympic Qualifier

By Steven Munatones, Swimming World Open Water Correspondent

FORT MYERS, Florida. April 27. ASHLEY Twichell of the Mission Viejo Nadadores played her cards right and comfortably won the USA Swimming Open Water Swimming Championships in Fort Myers this bright sunny morning in Florida.

After hugging the first place position with Eva Fabian and others on the first half of the race, the Duke University graduate laid down a ripping pace and opened up a huge lead with two loops to go on the six-loop course. There was no turning back once she began her push to the finish.

With her level of fitness and high navigational IQ, Twichell played to her strengths and qualified to represent the United States at the final Olympic 10km Marathon Swim qualifier in June.

Twichell's dominating performance was broadcast live on USA Swimming's website and demonstrated that the relatively inexperienced swimmer has the tools, savvy and aerobic base to contend for an Olympic medal on August 9.

Twichell will be joined by USC's Haley Anderson, who captured second place and will represent the United States in June at the Olympic qualifier. Anderson swam a controlled race, remaining patient for the entire race, until she made a strong move to break out of the chase pack and capture second.

The Olympic qualifying race in Portugal will require either Twichell or Anderson to place in the top 15 in order to punch their ticket to the London Olympics. But each country is only allowed one swimmer to qualify, so the Portugal race will essentially be a swim-off between the the Duke Blue Devil and the USC Trojan.

Courtesy of Open Water Source

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