Twichell hands US first gold of the Worlds

Budapest: Ashley Twichell gave the United States their first gold medal of the World Championships with a victory in the women’s 5-kilometer open water race Wednesday on Lake Balaton. Twichell crossed the line 3.5 seconds ahead of Aurelie Muller of France. The bronze went to Ana Marcela Cunha of Brazil. The US has captured 10 medals overall in the women’s 5k, more than any other open water event at the world championships. This was the third straight gold for the Americans. Defending world champion Haley Anderson finished fifth in the race, which was held about 130 kilometres (80 miles) southwest of Budapest.