Danielle Wahl places 31st at her first US Nationals

Congratulations Danielle Wahl for success at the 5K Open Water National Championships in Long Beach, CA.  Not only was this Danielle's first trip to a USA Swimming National Championship, it was the first time CMA was represented. 

Now that Open Water swimming is an Olympic sport, USA Swimming is getting behind it and we can expect to see more events like this.  According to Danielle, "It's a lot more physical than it looks."

The day started with check-in involving; USA Swimming officials asking each swimmer to cut their finger and toe nails, getting race number stamped on, and attaching two electronic bracelets.  After a final briefing and introduction of each swimmer the girls lined up for the start of the race.

Although the race takes approximately an hour to complete, swimmers start out like they are swimming a 50 free.  Soon after the initial sprint swimmer begin their individual strategies.  Open water swimmer definitely provides a lot of excitement as you watch swimmers try to make their move, draft, or hang on.

Following the initial sprint, Danielle found herself in the second lead pack.   After an equipment issues (she lost one of her electronic bracelets and had to ask an official on a boat for another) she moved further back in the pack.  For the rest of the race Danielle caught and passed other swimmers as she moved out in front of a large group of swimmers and tried to pull away. 

Danielle has always done great in open water events and it was exciting to see what she could do at the national level.  She finished 31st overall (out of 50) and gained some invaluable experience.

Congratulations Danielle and we hope this is just the start of CMA swimmers competing on the national stage!