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Russia's Ilchenko wins women's 10km swim, Gorman 15th

Posted August 20, 2008 13:48:00

Russia's Larisa Ilchenko has won the gold medal for the Olympic Games women's 10 kilometres marathon swim in a time of 1 hour 59.27 minutes.

Australia's Melissa Gorman finished in 15th place. Britain's Keri-Anne Payne claimed silver having led for most of the race, in a time of 1 hours 59.29 minutes, alongside compatriot Cassandra Patten who took bronze in 1 hour 59.31 minutes.

South African Natalie du Toit, the first amputee to qualify for the Olympic Games, finished 16th.

Gorman said she copped plenty of rough treatment during the race, which resulted in her losing her cap.

"It's certainly a tough event out there ... [but] it's a fun experience," she told ABC Grandstand after the race.

"I was definitely stuck in the middle of the pack for most of the race," she said.

Gorman, who already has her sights set on London and the 2012 Games, says she is happy with her finish, given that it was only her second international event.

"I'm happy with my result - I've improved 10 places since the worlds a few months ago."

She also paid tribute to Ilchenko, describing her as amazing. "She's inspirational. I love the way she swims."

Tags: olympics-summer, swimming, australia, china

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