Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Mate Karpati of Hungary won the gold medal in the 10km race at the Junior Open Water World Championships in Santa Fe. Karpati, who previously placed fourth at the European Junior Championships, described this victory as redemption after narrowly missing the podium earlier. He expressed satisfaction and gratitude for achieving his medal goal at the World Championships as a junior.
Karpati stayed in the top five throughout the race and moved into the lead on the fifth lap alongside Parker and Aguiar. Accelerating in the latter half of the fifth lap, he established a clear lead and finished five seconds ahead of the field. This win is seen as a positive sign for Hungary’s future in open water swimming as Karpati looks to continue his career beyond the junior level.
Following his victory, Karpati expressed optimism for the upcoming 3km Knockout Sprint and Relay at the championships, where he aims for additional medals.
Colin Jacobs of the United States took silver in the 10km event after an impressive final sprint, advancing seven places in the final stretch. Jacobs highlighted the unpredictable nature of open water racing and the importance of staying with the lead pack to seize opportunities during the race.