MIROMAR, Fla. – Former All-American and 2011 graduate Ashley Twichell captured the women’s 10K Open Water National Championship Friday in Miromar, Fla. After taking third place in 2011, Twichell won the event Friday and will now represent the United States at the Olympic qualifier event in Portugal on June 9.

Twichell came from behind to win the race in thrilling fashion, moving ahead of the lead pack about midway through the fifth of six laps. The Fayetteville, N.Y., native finished in a time of 2:03:06.03, nearly 45 seconds ahead of Haley Anderson in second place (2:03:50.44).

As one of the top two performers at the Open Water National Championship, Twichell earned a trip to the Olympic qualifier event in Setubal, Portugal on June 9.

“I’m really excited,” Twichell said. “This past year has been a whirlwind and I’m really excited to continue the experience with my World Championship roommate [Haley Anderson].”

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