Courtesy of USA Swimming, Biscayne Bay, Miami, Florida.

And the 10,000 meter race all came down to the end. As it usually does at the top open water races.

While 27-year-old veteran Ana Marcela Cunha from Brazil pushed the pace from the start and led for much of the race, most eyes were on the Americans who were vying for the coveted top two spots.

Ultimately, as the top six women sprinted into the finish chute, it was a pair of American veterans – Ashley Twichell and Haley Anderson – who took 1-2 among the Americans as they took the next step to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. Cunha, Twitchell and Anderson will all meet again in South Korea this July at the FINA World Championships where they all need to finish in the Top 10 in order to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

Twichell won her third consecutive national championship and will try to improve upon her 10th place finish at the 2017 FINA World Championships 10 km race. Anderson finished sixth in the 2017 World Championships, so if they can keep their positions, both will make the 2020 Olympics.
But like Cunha, the 9-time World Championship medalist, they are not just looking to qualifying, but standing on top the Olympic podium in 2020.

Official Results:
1. Ana Marcela Cunha (Brazil, 27) 2:00.00.17
2. Ashley Twichell (29) 2:00.00.67
3. Haley Anderson (27) 2:00.01.10
4. Erica Sullivan (18) 2:00:06.00
5. Kathryn Campbell (25) 2:00.13.55
6. Rebecca Mann (21) 2:00.14.65
7. Mariah Denigan (15) 2:00:45.38
8. Kensey McMahon (19) 2:01:10.10
9. Chase Travis (16) 2:01:58.07
10. Brooke Travis (18) 2:02:16.93
11. Yara Hierath (17) 2:07:09.79
12. Sophie Cattermole (22) 2:07:58.57
13. Julissa Arzave (17) 2:07:58.75
14. Claire Nguyen (18) 2:08:51.35
15. Hayley Pike (17) 2:10:28.69
16. Anna Auld (15) 2:11:47.59
17. Allison Bernier (16) 2:14:11.21
18. Oceane Peretti (France, 21) 2:20:22.88
19. Leah Degeorge (17) 2:29:38.28
DSQ Hannah Moore (22)

The protest by the coach of Hannah Moore was not upheld and she was disqualified due to receiving two yellow cards during the race.

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