25-year-old Pilar Geijo of Argentina took a big chance today in lac Mempremagog at the FINA Open Water Swimming Grand Prix – and it paid off handsomely.

“I decided to go with the top men,” explained Pilar.

When the men started to pick up their pace before the second half of the race, they created a major separation from the rest of the field, including the top women. “It was a big risk because I could lose the men, but I continued alone. I could have slowed down and swim with the women or I could swim alone. But life has risks.”

“[Staying with the men] cost me a lot,” recalled Pilar who had to swim by herself for much for the swim while nearly everyone else swam with others. “But I am very happy and it was the first time that I swam alone for such a long time. When I finished, I had a big smile. I was very tired, but it is important [for the fans] to see us finish with a smile.”

She certainly trains hard enough to stay with the men, take risks and finish with a smile. Pilar swims twice a day doing 15,000 meters per day with additional dryland training three times per week.

“This is my second year on the FINA Open Water Swimming Grand Prix. I enjoy swimming on the circuit to earn money, but I also want to participate on the 10K World Cup circuit because of the Olympics.”

We have a strong feeling we will see more of Pilar smiling at the end of her races.

1. Pilar Geijo (ARG), 7:53.36
2. Antonella Bogarin (ARG), 8:04.24
3. Esther Nunez Morera (ESP), 8:04.34
4. Shelley Clark (AUS), 8:13.50
5. Joanie Guillemette-Simard (CAN), 8:15.31
6. Marianela Mendoza (ARG), 8:49.54
7. Noelia Petti (ARG), 9:04.55
8. Aurélie Côté (CAN), 9:13.11
9. Rita Vanessa (ARG), 9:13.21
Heidi George, DNF

Copyright © 2010 by Open Water Source