German Lurz wins another open water gold at worlds

[July 25, 2013]  BARCELONA, Spain (AP) -- Longtime open-water star Thomas Lurz has added another world championship to his stellar career, leading Germany to victory in the 5-kilometer team event.

Lurz and teammates Christian Reichert and Isabelle Harle completed two laps around the Barcelona harbor course in 52 minutes, 54.9 seconds. They went out fourth in the staggered start but passed all three teams that began ahead of them, giving Lurz his sixth career gold at the worlds.

Spyridon Gianniotis, Antonios Fokaidis and Kalliopi Araouzou of Greece took the silver medal in 54:03.3. The bronze went to the Brazilian team of Poliana Okimoto, Allan Do Carmo and Samuel De Bona in 54.03.5.

The United States won the inaugural team event in 2011 but only managed a sixth-place showing this time. Teams must use at least one woman.

[Associated Press; By PAUL NEWBERRY]

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