KAZAN, Russia (AP) — Haley Anderson of the U.S. won the 5-kilometer open water race to claim the first medal of the world swimming championships.
She surged to the lead in the closing meters of the race in the choppy waters of the Kazanka River, hitting the touchpad in 58 minutes, 48.4 seconds Saturday.
Anderson, the 2012 Olympic 5k silver medalist from Granite Bay, California, used the shorter race as a tuneup for the 10k next week.
Kalliopi Araouzou of Greece took silver, finishing in 58:49.8.
Finnia Wunram of Germany earned bronze in 58:51.0.
Sharon Van Rouwendaal of the Netherlands led most of the way on the rectangular course, but settled for fourth in 58:55.1.
The water temperature was 68 degrees (20 Celsius) while the air temperature was 73 degrees (23 Celsius) at the course near the Kazan Kremlin.
