Lausanne (SUI), August 21, 2012 - 30 swimmers (11 women and 19 men) from 12 countries took the departure in the 30-kilometre Lake Ohrid race (MKD), the last leg of this year’s FINA Open Water Swimming Grand Prix circuit, on August 19.
Brisbane-based Trent Grimsey, who collected three victories in the Grand Prix this season, finished second behind powerful Petar Stoychev from Bulgaria, winner in convincing fashion with a time of 5h19m30s35. The Australian and Italy’s Edoardo Stochino (second in the Capri-Napoli race) clocked the same time (5h19m55s69) and only a photo finish could decide their respective second and third place.
In the women’s race, Russian Olga Kozidub (first in Sabac) wounded up on the top of the podium, touching home in 5h33m41s66. Compatriot Anna Uvarova topped off a remarkable season with a second-place finish (her fifth podium appearance in the Grand Prix this year), clocking 5h33m43s44. Silvie Rybarova from Czech Republic (second in Sabac), who went head-to-head with the Russian for the touch, had to settle for the bronze (5h33m43s45).
Grimsey (AUS) is the best among men in the 2012 Grand Prix circuit, totalling 95 points; Damian Blaum (ARG) is second of the general standings with 71 points while Andrea Volpini (ITA) and Evgeny Pop Acev (MKD) both take third spot with 45 points each.
It is the first time in the history of this event that Petar Stoychev (BUL) fails to finish on top. The 35-year-old legendary swimmer had begun an unstoppable reign over the Grand Prix event, winning all editions since 2007.
Esther Nunez (ESP) is first in the women’s overall ranking with 96 points; Pilar Geijo (ARG, 2011 overall winner) places second with 82 points and Anna Uvarova (RUS), third with 77 points.
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