The 2008 FINA Open Water World Swimming Championships (3-8 May, 2008) kicked off today with the 10K open water race in Seville, Spain. The event served as a qualifier for the 2008 Olympic Games, with the top 10 finishers automatically qualifying to compete at the Olympics. This year will mark the first year the 10K race is swum at the Olympics. Team USA's Kirsten Groome maintained a position in the top 10 for three laps of the four-lap race. When the pace quickened on the final lap, Groome fell to 21st place.