The open water action continued in Tempe, Arizona with slightly higher air temperatures and a slight breeze, but none of that seemed to bother the men as they tackled the 10K race.
Taylor Abbott of Tennessee Aquatics was a strong leader for much of the beginning of the race, holding strong between first and third until defending champion Jordan Wilimovsky made his move in lap five.
Wilimovsky, representing Team Santa Monica, took charge in lap five and never looked back, finishing the race with a time of 1:47:14.718. His time earned him a ticket to this summer’s Pan Pacific Championships in Tokyo and successfully defended his 10K title.
David Heron of Tennessee Aquatics turned up the heat in the final lap to hold off Mission Viejo’s James Brinegar. The two had a photo finish that excited the crowd! After reviewing the finish, it was determined that Heron finished second with a 1:47:27.713, while Brinegar was third with a 1:47:27.779. Heron joined Wilimovsky as the second qualifier for the Pan Pacific Championships, while Brinegar also earned the title of 10K Junior National Champion.
Men’s podium for the 10K Open Water Race in Tempe, Arizona – Photo Courtesy: Taylor Brien
Brendan Casey of Cavalier Swimming took fourth overall with a time of 1:48:09.390, followed by Abbott, who finished fifth with a time of 1:48:09.792.
Sandpipers of Nevada’s Brennan Gravley grabbed sixth with a 1:48:21.581, just ahead of the Canadian trio of Eric Hedlin (1:48:51.678), Jon McKay (1:49:08.365), and Hau-Li Fan (1:49:19.468).
