PCS Swimmers Kick off World Championships

It was a blistering day in Egypt with temperatures over 40 degrees celsius as both Karley Stutzel and Dave Creel competed in the 5km to open the 2002 World Open Water Swimming Championships. On the women's side it was 30 year old Viola Valli from Italy who took the gold medal in a time of 56 minutes and 23 seconds. Stutzel, who is Canada's only female entrant in the World Championship's finished in 12th position in a time of 58 minutes and 44 seconds. The field was incredibly close as there was only 9 seconds separating Stutzelfrom the fourth place finisher.

On the men's side David Creel finished his first international open water competition in 15th position in a total time of 54 minutes and 10 seconds. Creel was apparently fighting a cold the day before the 5km event took place but felt well enough to compete.

Both Creel and Stutzel will compete in the 10km event on Wednesday an event in which they are both current National Champions. Stutzel will look to improve on her 10km performance from the 2001 World Aquatic Championships where she placed 4th overall.

Check back here on Wednesday for 10km results.