Stutzel 11th, Creel 13th in Tough 10k Race at 2002 World Championships

The 10 km World Open Water Championship race took place in Egypt yesterday and Pacific Coast swimmers David Creel and Karley Stutzel both took part and finished strong in a tough world class field. On the women's side the event was extremely close as only three one hundredths of a second separated the top two competitors. Pacific Coast Swimming's Karley Stutzel finished in 11th position in a time of 1:59.45. The women's event was won in a time of 1:56.42 by Germany's Britta Kamrau.

In the men's race David Creel finished in 13th spot in a time of 1:50.21, less than one minute behind first place finisher Ivgueni Kochkarov, from Russia, who won in a time of 1:49.30. The 2002 World Championships was Creel's first taste of international competition, but will definitely not be his last. As one of Canada's best up and coming open water swimmers he will be one to watch for in future open water events.

While this brings the World Championships to a close for both Stutzel and Creel, they will remain in Egypt to compete in a World Cup event. The 11th stop in the Marathon World Cup Circuit will take place in Alexandria Abou Heif, Egypt on October 2. Following the 10km race they will return to Victoria and join their Pacific Coast Swimming and UVic Vikes teammates in training for the current season.

The next major international open water event that Stutzel and Creel will be swimming towards will be the 2003 World Aquatic Championships taking place in Barcelona, Spain next July.

CONGRATULATIONS DAVE AND KARLEY!!!