The race remained tight from the 4K mark until the finish, with the first six positions separated by less than a half-second. A 2009 World Championship bronze medalist in the event, Crippen relied on experience and back-end speed to pull ahead at the end and to win.

Crippen will represent the U.S. at the 2010 Open Water World Championships in Roberval, Quebec from July 17th-22nd. After winning the Pan Pacific Championship in 2007, Crippen will aim to regain the 10K title at this year’s Pan Pacific competition in Irvine Calif. on August 22nd.

Continue to visit www.TYR.com for results on sponsored athletes, as well as to shop the products they wear on race day.

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The race began for Crippen with an error that threatened his chance at a spot on the podium. Misreading the current in the open water, he found himself a couple hundred of meters behind the pack at the first buoy.

“I spent the next two and a half kilometers working really hard to catch up,” shared Crippen on his tactical error. “I kept telling myself that if I caught the pack I could get right back in course.”

Crippen did just that-joining the lead group of swimmers and then settling until a breakaway seemed possible. That came with 75 meters to go.

“I was able to get myself in a good position for the final sprint and I felt really strong in the end. I took the lead and the win.”

Accepting the only medal for the USA on the men’s side, Crippen shares plans for the upcoming months.

“Right now my focus is to get into heavy training and prepare for the summer season. This was a nice accomplishment for this point in the season.”

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Crippen returned to the water in February of 2009 after a six month break, in which time he contemplated retirement. Fueled with motivation to recommit himself to the open water, he rejected the idea and began the next chapter in his career that has already garnered numerous accomplishments.

“Fran has always been about toughness and perseverance,” said TYR Promotions Director Matt Zimmer. “He’s a guy that has consistently found ways to come back from adversity and disappointment to achieve even higher goals. He’s the type of guy who you always want on your team. He embodies the family we strive to promote.”

The 25-year-old Philadelphia, Pa. native has already situated himself at the top amongst the world’s toughest open-water competitors. At the 2009 National Championships, Crippen won his sixth national championship, this time in the 5K open-water race. With the win, he qualified to represent Team USA in Rome, Italy at the 2009 World Championships, where he successfully captured a bronze medal in the men’s 10km open-water event.

For his outstanding accomplishments after entertaining the idea of hanging up his towel just months prior, The USA Swimming Foundation has nominated Crippen for the 2009 Perseverance Award at the November 22nd Golden Goggle Awards.

As an 11-time NCAA All-American swimmer at the University of Virginia and now an internationally ranked open-water swimmer, Crippen looks to bring insight and education to those involved in the TYR community, striving to bring the best of both the swimming and triathlon.

“Fran’s transition from pool to open water medalist gives him so much to talk about to multi-sport athletes,” added Zimmer. “The swimming portion of a triathlon is the most frightening leg for many people, and Fran has asked to take a lead roll with TYR in educating triathletes and bringing his expertise to the fastest growing sport on the planet.”

Be sure to continue visiting TYR.com to follow Crippen’s continued success, as well as here to nominate him for the Perseverance Award at the 2009 Golden Goggle Awards. Polls are open through November 18th, 2009.

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Crippen entered Wednesday’s race wearing the new TYR Tracer A7 after finishing 7th the day before in the men’s open water 5K race. Making some tactical errors during that race, he entered the 10K with a goal of swimming wiser, and just as intensely.

The race conditions at the open waters of Ostia were hot, and for the benefit of the swimmers, breezeless. Staying amongst the top swimmers, Crippen entered into the chute buoy with 50m to go fighting for a medal. Slamming his head against the buoy, he managed to get in third behind the winning German swimmer, and another US competitor.

“I Put my head down and sprinted to the finish,” said Crippen. “We were able to go 2-3 which is awesome. I used different tactics than the 5K – a little smarter. The last lap I was between 4th and 8th. I was really happy with my finishing speed.”

The finish was protested by Italy due to Crippen crossing the area that lead to the finish apparatus to ultimately touch ahead of the Italian swimmer. FINA’s Bureau, represented by Jury d’Appel made the final decision after the USA successfully appealed and fought for justice on Thursday, July 23rd.

Crippen and the US rejoiced after the jury decided in their favor.

“We won!” Crippen exclaimed. “I am a bronze medalist. It was not quite the gold we were looking for but it was definitely awesome to get the bronze. It was a great swim and I am super happy and relieved more than anything that FINA did the right thing.”

With the end of the open water competition, swimming enthusiasts will now turn their attention to the events beginning at the Foro Italico complex, scheduled to begin July 26th. Continue to follow TYR athletes as they look to add to the medal count for their countries at TYR.com.

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