Updated at 8:51 p.m., Sunday, August 5, 2007
Flanagan, Sakamoto qualify for Olympic swim trials
Advertiser Staff
Hawai'i's John Flanagan and Noa Sakamoto qualified for the U.S. Olympic Trials in open-water distance swimming today at the Open Water Grand Prix in Indianapolis, Ind.Flanagan, 32, placed third in the 10-kilometer race at Eagle Creek Park, finishing in 2 hours, 58.40 seconds. Sakamoto, 21, finished fourth; his time was not available.
The training partners and Punahou School alums qualified by virtue of placing among the top 15 finishers. The Olympic Trials will be held at Fort Myers, Fla., Oct. 21 and 22.
Rick Hetzel, also from Hawai'i, competed in the event. His placement was not available.
Mark Warkenstein, 27, of Santa Barbara, Calif., won the race in 2:00:48.35. Kirsten Groome, 17, was the first female finisher in 2:06:20.25.
