The first gold medal moment of the day at the Tokyo Olympics came early as Sharon van Rouwendaal of the Netherlands clinched victory in the women's 10k marathon swim. This marks her second Olympic gold in this event, having previously won it at the Rio Olympics in 2016.
In a thrilling final stretch, van Rouwendaal surged ahead of her competitors to claim the top spot on the podium. She completed the grueling 10-kilometer race in the River Seine in a time of 2 hours, 3 minutes, and 34.2 seconds.
Despite concerns about the water quality in the river, event organizers deemed it safe for the athletes to compete, and van Rouwendaal's performance showcased her resilience and determination.
Australia's Moesha Johnson put up a strong fight and finished in second place with a time of 2:03:39.7, while Italy's Ginevra Taddeucci secured the bronze with a time of 2:03:42.8.
Van Rouwendaal's victory is a testament to her skill and endurance as a long-distance swimmer, solidifying her status as one of the top athletes in the sport. Her impressive performance in the women's 10k marathon swim will be remembered as a highlight of the Tokyo Olympics.