Eva Risztov displayed both the mental and physical strength of an Olympic champion yesterday as she stunned home favourite and world title holder Keri-anne Payne to claim gold in the open water in London.
Given the unpredictability of open water races, there was widespread surprise that Payne failed to finish on the podium while Risztov powered her way to victory.
The Hungarian won in one hour 57 minutes 38.2 seconds, holding off a fast-finishing Haley Anderson by 0.4secs, the American claiming her family’s second medal of the Games following sister Alyssa’s gold in the 4x200m freestyle in which she swum the heats.
Martina Grimaldi was third, holding off Payne’s late sprint by 0.4secs.
It caps a remarkable comeback by Risztov, who competed in the pool in the 2000 and 2004 Olympics before retiring in 2005 only to return four years later. Still only 26, Risztov competed in the 4x100m freestyle relay through the 400m and 800m freestyle as well as yesterday’s marathon swim.
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