In a thrilling race set against the picturesque backdrop of the Seine River, Australia’s Moesha Johnson clinched the silver medal in the Women’s 10km Marathon Swim at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Moesha completed the gruelling course in a time of 2:03:39.7, achieving Australia’s best result in Marathon Swimming at the Olympics, and becoming only the second Australian to medal in this event.
Finishing just 5.5 seconds behind her training partner and gold medallist Sharon van Rouwendaal of the Netherlands, Moesha was elated with her performance.
Moesha took an early lead, demonstrating her strong start in the first kilometre. Her strategy became evident as she consistently led the pack.
As the swimmers approached the final stretch, it became a battle of endurance, tactics, and willpower as her training partner powered past her.
“Honestly, I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. So much can happen in an open water race. There are so many variables,” Moesha said.
“To be on the podium with a beautiful silver medal, it’s unbelievable.”
Moesha joins Kareena Lee in the history books. Kareena was the first Australian to win a medal in Marathon Swimming at the Olympics with a bronze in Tokyo 2020.
Reflecting on the iconic location, set against Parisian scenes with the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop, Moesha noted the unique race conditions that accompanied the venue.
“It’s a spectacular location to be able to have an Olympic event. But it’s very specific, very unique conditions,” she said of her Olympic debut.
“After the first few laps, I knew what I wanted to do... I tried to lead as much as I could that last lap because of the current and the conditions. It’s really hard to pass each other.
“There’s a point under the bridge where there are two options, and it’s the only way Sharon got around me in the end.
“We had to race each other under the bridge, and obviously, she came through on the other side. I just tried to hold on, and I did.”
Rounding out the podium was Ginevra Taddeucci of Italy, who secured bronze with a time of 2:03:42.8.
Fellow Australian Chelsea Gubecka also competed in the challenging event, finishing in 14th place with a time of 2:06:17.8.
Despite the tough race, Chelsea showed great perseverance and determination, reflecting the high level of competition and endurance required in marathon swimming.
Looking ahead, Australia’s hopes in marathon swimming continue as Nick Sloman and Kyle Lee dive into the Men’s 10km race tomorrow at 3:30am AEST.
With Moesha’s historic silver setting the tone, all eyes will be on Nick and Kyle as they take on the world’s best in the iconic Seine River.
Sarah Dyce
