May 21, 2006

SALINAS, ECUADOR - American swimmer Chip Peterson, who will enroll at the University of North Carolina in August, capped the Pan American Open Water Championships Friday with a win in the men's 10K race. It was his second victory of the week after winning the 5K race on Wednesday.

Peterson turned in a time of 1:57:08.06, with American teammate John Kenny finishing sixth in 2:03:14.55. The Americans took home the team title in the 10K.

Peterson signed a National Letter of Intent last November and he will join the Tar Heel swimming program in August.

"They (the entire American team) all swam so strong Friday," head coach Catherine Vogt said. Vogt serves as a full-time assistant coach at the University of North Carolina.

"It was truly an honor to be the head coach of this team. Erica (Rose) and Chip (Peterson) both broke away fairly early, and John Kenny swam a very determined pack race with 10-12 very good athletes the entire course. His points made a huge contribution to our team title."

The Americans, led by Peterson, were also dominant in the 5K race Wednesday. Team USA claimed the top spots on the podium Wednesday at the Pan American Open Water 5K Championships in Salinas, Ecuador. Chip Peterson (Pine Knoll Shores, N.C. / Carteret Currents) and Erica Rose (Cleveland Heights, Ohio / Lake Erie SC) captured gold in the men's and women's races, respectively.

The Americans also won the 5K team title on the first day of competition.

Peterson finished ahead of silver medalist Ricardo Monasterio of Venezuela by more than 30 seconds, posting a time of 57:34.17. It was Peterson's third international victory after winning the 5K at the 2005 Junior Pan Pacific Championships and the 10K title at the 2005 World Championships. In winning the 10K title in Montreal, Peterson became the first American male since 1991 to capture an open water world title.

Monasterio clocked a 58:08.03 for second place, and Brazil's Luis Lima was the bronze medalist with a time of 58:27.95. American John Kenny finished ninth in 1:00:10.61.

In the women's race, Rose posted a time of 1:03:00.41, more than a minute ahead of silver medalist Maria Da Penha of Brazil (1:04:07.00). Argentina's Celeste Punet captured bronze in 1:04:37.18.

Quotes

From Head Coach Catherine Vogt:
"The team did a great job today. They achieved our first goal of taking the 5K team title and showed real class in victory. The local organization has been great with their hospitality and we are most thankful for the opportunity to represent USA Swimming at this competition. We are really looking forward to the 10K on Friday, but we first have a few training sessions to deal with."

From Chip Peterson:
"I felt great out there today. It was a beautiful day on the water and the local organization has really made us feel at home. I am eager to continue some great training here and of course go after the 10K on Friday."