2009 World Open Water 5 km

David Creel of Victoria was the sole Canadian entry [in the men's 5km race] and placed 22nd in 57:37.1. Creel battled back from an elbow injury to qualify for the team.

"This was my first big international race since the last worlds in 2007 so I was a bit nervous,” said Creel, 28, who made his world championship open water debut in 2002. “I used my experience to calm myself down. It was a strong field with lots of 1,500 metre freestyle swimmers. The race was pretty fast and the turns pretty tight. My strategy was to accelerate in the turns and gain the best position possible.”

The races were originally scheduled for Sunday but were postponed by two days after rough seas destroyed the starting dock and timing equipment. Consequently, swimmers began the race already in the water and an old fashioned banner replaced computerized touch pads at the finish line.

SNC full story ... SNC 21-Jul-09
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