The Australian open water duo of Melissa Gorman and Ky Hurst have finished the 10km Olympic test event at the Serpentine in London in the top ten overnight, with Gorman finishing sixth overall and Hurst eighth in the field of 20.

Having finished fourth at the world championships in Shanghai last month, Gorman was just seven seconds behind the winner Martina Grimaldi from Italy who covered the six lap course in 2hrs 02.49 minutes. 

Finishing just a couple of body lengths outside the lead pack, Gorman’s time of 2hrs 02.56 minutes will give her the confidence to know she is right in the mix for a medal next year.

In the men’s event, ironman and Beijing Olympian Ky Hurst finished eighth overall but was less than two seconds off the winner Richard Weinberger from Canada who finished in 1hr 50.49 minutes.

Hurst’s time of 1hr 52.20 shows that he is right on pace for success next year, with Swimming Australia Head Coach Greg Towle acknowledging the importance of today’s competition.

“Competing here has been a great experience for both athletes and as I said the other day, it really marks the start of the preparation for London,” said Towle.

“It’s not often we the get the chance to test out a venue in a race situation before a major meet, so this trip has been invaluable from that point of view.”

Gorman and Hurst, who have both already qualified for selection for the London Olympics next year, will return to Australia on Tuesday.

Swimming Australia