Courtesy of WOWSA, Huntington Beach, California.

Aimeson King won the men’s race and Zsofia Balaz won the women’s 10 km race and will represent Canada at the 2010 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships 10K race in Long Beach, California.

They will compete against many of the world’s best open water swimmers, including the top swimmers from the U.S., Australia, New Zealand and Brazil.

The emerging American team includes with two current world champions in Eva Fabian and Alex Meyer and several former world championship medalists including 2005 world champion Chip Peterson, 2009 silver medalist Andrew Gemmell, 2009 bronze medalist Fran Crippen and 2008 Olympian Chloe Sutton.

Throw in 2009 world champion medalist Poliana Okimoto of Brazil, 2009 world champion Melissa Gorman and world championship swimmer Cara Baker of New Zealand and the women’s race is shaping up to rival some of the top pro races in Europe.

After Aimeson and Zsofia’s victories in Thetis Lake in Victoria, Canada, their excitement were a delight to see. “I couldn’t ask for anything better. I’m so excited to make this team,” said Aimeson.

“I’m really excited about my race after a disappointing showing at the Worlds in Roberval,” echoed Zsofia who may be better suited for the warmer marina waters in Long Beach, California rather than the cool waters of lac St-Jean in Quebec. “I know the [Marine Stadium] course [in Long Beach]. I’ve been here before for the World Championship trial.”

So the stage seems to be set for some fast racing in the Marine Stadium course where the finish structure will be moved closer to the shore so the fans can see the exciting finish up close (courtesy of The Athlete Village which filmed the entire race from the lead boat from the men’s and women’s races:

Copyright © 2010 by World Open Water Swimming Association