Kalyn Keller Wins Silver in Open Water 25k at 2007 FINA World Champs

Call it "extreme swimming," if you wish. The women's open water 25k had a little bit of everything - from intense weather, to tough competition, to a re-start a day later, and a swimmer who made a last minute decision to swim the longest of all open water races at the FINA World Championships. And that decisison paid off for Kalyn Keller (Phoenix, Ariz.) when she won Team USA's first open water medal - a silver in the women’s 25k at St. Kilda beach today.

The race began on Saturday, but was called at the half-way point due to treacherous weather conditions. In an unprecedented move, FINA officials opted to finish the race today, using a NASCAR-style re-start. Keller, who was in fifth-place when the race was called Saturday, started in fifth, but was able to gain on the lead pack, ultimately claiming silver for Team USA.

Mark Warkentin (Santa Barbara, Calif.) was the top finisher for the U.S. in the men’s race, taking fourth.

More on the 2007 FINA World Championships - Melbourne, 17 March - 1 April 2007 - Including links to full results.

About USA Swimming: As the National Governing Body for competitive swimming in the United States, USA Swimming formulates the rules, implements policies and procedures, conducts national championships, disseminates safety and sports medicine information and selects athletes to represent the United States in international competition. USA Swimming has more than 300,000 members nationwide and sanctions more than 7,000 events each year. For more information, visit USA Swimming on-line.