Ashley Twichell, David Heron Take 5K at US Open Water Nationals

Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

Ashley Twichell & David Heron won the 5K on Sunday at the US Open Water Nationals meet in Fort Myers, Florida as Heron swept the 5 & 10K races while Twichell upgraded her silver in the 10K to gold in the 5.

Twichell pounced on the third lap, passing 10K champ and Texas commit Erica Sullivan to win at 1:01:31, while Haley Anderson won silver at 1:01:38. Sullivan fell off the pace on lap three with the bronze at 1:01:41.

Men’s 5K led by David Heron: Photo Courtesy: Andy Ross

Heron was in control for most of the race as the Mission Viejo Nadador finished ahead of Florida sophomore Brennan Gravley 59:29 to Gravley’s 59:33. Gravley’s younger brother Dylan, who has committed to Arizona State, finished in third at 59:36 and was the official 18 and under national champ.

Indiana commit Mariah Denigan won the junior 7.5K at 1:40:05 ahead of Sandpipers’ Paige Kuwata (1:40:38) and Wisconsin commit Blair Stoneburg (1:44:28). Kuwata and Denigan earned spots on USA Swimming’s junior national team that will travel to compete in Seychelles.

TAC Titans’ Jacob Pishko won the junior 7.5K on the men’s side at 1:35:24 ahead of Joshua Brown of Sarasota (1:35:44). Sandpipers’ Brice Barrieault (1:35:51) finished with the bronze medal.

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