Two South American women have forged a small lead in the 2011 World Open Water Swimming Woman of the Year poll, followed by two closely-packed chase groups. Like the tight 5K and 10K races among elite women at the world championship level, this poll will likely remain tight, competitive and will come down to the very end.

With voting continuing until December 31st, there will be many changes in the current standings. Like many open water swimmers everywhere know, expect the unexpected.

1. Pilar Geijo (Argentina)
2. Ana Marcela Cunha (Brazil)
3. Diana Nyad (USA)
4. Pat Gallant-Charette (USA)
5. Keri-Anne Payne (Great Britain)
6. Penny Palfrey (Australia)
7. Elizabeth Fry (USA)
8. Anna-Carin Nordin (Sweden)
9. Angela Maurer (Germany)
10. Pamela Dickson (New Zealand)
11. Her Serene Highness The Princess of Monaco
12. Marcy MacDonald (USA)

CLICK HERE TO VOTE IN THE WOWSA AWARDS 2011.

Copyright © 2011 by Open Water Source