David Heron Repeats As Men’s Open Water National 5K Champ

2018 U.S. OPEN WATER NATIONAL / JUNIOR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

• Friday, May 4 – Sunday, May 6
• Town Lake, Tempe, Arizona
• Meet Central
• Meet Info
• Start Lists
• Course Map
• Open Water World Junior Selection
• Men’s 5K Results

After both Ashley Twichell and Jordan Wilimovsky managed to defend their Open Water National 10K titles on Friday, Tennessee Aquatics’ David Heron followed suit on Sunday in the National 5K, winning the event by edging out Canadian Eric Hedlin and 18 & under swimmer Brennan Gravley.

“My plan was to draft as much as possible the first two laps, take it easy and then that last lap see if I could get ahead of everyone toward the end”, said Heron. “It was a bit quicker than I was expecting, but in all it went well.”

After his teammate Taylor Abbott led much of the race early on, Heron took over heading into the final lap, ultimately winning in 54:29.921. Hedlin was just over a second back in 54:30.944, and Graveley was right there with him for 3rd in 54:32.866. Gravley also earns the title of National Junior champ in the event after the Junior National 5K race only consisted of 14-15 aged swimmers.

Michael Brinegar of Mission Viejo, who lost a close photo finish with Heron for 2nd place in the 10K, took 4th in a time of 54:40.167, and TC Smith was 5th in 54:40.975. Abbott ultimately placed 8th, behind two more Canadians, Hau-Li Fan and Jon McKay, who were 6th and 7th.

TOP 5

1. David Heron, Tennessee Aquatics, 54:29.921
2. Eric Hedlin, Canada, 54:30.944
3. Brennan Gravley, Sandpipers of Nevada, 54:32.866
4. Michael Brinegar, Mission Viejo, 54:40.167
5. TC Smith, Unattached, 54:40.975

Full results of the race can be found here.

Quote courtesy of USA Swimming.