Information courtesy of Gergely Csurka in Lake Balaton, Balatonfured, Hungary.

China’s Siyu Yan won the youth girls (ages 14-16) 5 km event on the opening day at the second FINA World Junior Open Water Swimming Championships in Balatonfured where the next generation of open water swimming greats are racing in Lake Balaton, Hungary.


Many of 33 teenagers between the ages of 14-16 were representing their country for the first time – and their pride showed. With the water temperature at 19ºC (66ºF), France’s Charline Secrestat led for the first half of the race, but Yan surged to a 5-second lead before the last 1250m loop. Siyu held onto her lead as Italy’s Carlotta de Mattia edged out Secrestat by 0.38 seconds.

“I was confident before the race, I didn’t expect to win but hoped for a good placement. I thank my coach for helping me to achieve this result,” said Yan.

“I’m extremely glad to earn this medal, I’m really overjoyed,” excitedly commented de Mattia. “After this season’s races it was totally unexpected, it was a fantastic swim.”

Secrestat was also happy, “It was a close race, I tried to do my best but the Chinese girl was really strong. I’m absolutely satisfied with earning a medal.”

5 km Youth girls (ages 14-16 years) Top 10 results:
1. Siyu Yan (CHN) 1:00:40.81
2. Carlotta de Mattia (ITA) 1:00.45.33
3. Charline Secrestat (FRA) 1:00.45.71
4. Kylie Mitchell (USA) 1:00:47.27
5. Lisa Pou (FRA) 1:00:53.51
6. Yulia Voronina (RUS) 1:00:59.24
7. Megan Brynes (USA) 1:01:00.36
8. Carmen Le Roux (RSA) 1:01:02.56
9. Paula Ruiz Bravo (ESP) 1:01:07.26
10. Karelis Clemant (VEN) 1:01:08.36

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