Open Water Women from the Americas on top in first two races

The current and up-and-coming open water elite took the plunge at the first rendezvous of FINA's two international open water swimming circuits - the 10km Marathon Swimming World Cup and Open Water Swimming Grand Prix - to compete in some of the world's most challenging and thrilling races in open water.

The 2013 season started on a high note for Emily Brunemann (USA), 27, who won the Brazilian and Argentinian legs of the marathon series. Brazil's Ana Marcela Cunha had a disappointing finish in front of the home crowd in Santos, placing 9th, but was able to revamp her winning attitude and take second in Viedma (ARG). The 21-year-old was the overall winner of the 2010 and 2012 editions.

Also walking away with two wins from Race 1 and 2 was Frenchman Romain Beraud, 25, clearly one of the positive discoveries of this season opener. The victory for Beraud is a nice result - and his first success at this level - solidifying his place as one of the leading athletes in the competition so far. Allan do Carmo (BRA), 24, was out of medal-range in Santos and Viedma - finishing sixth and fourth, respectively. The Brazilian was third of the overall series last year. 10km vice Olympic and World champion Thomas Lurz (GER), 34, claimed third spot in Viedma. The German open water icon has collected no less than 18 victories in the 10km World Cup series since the event was first launched in 2007.

The World Cup's next stop is Eilat (ISR) on March 1. The eight-meet circuit will then head to Mexico, Canada, Hong Kong and China.

Extraordinary toughness and strategy were also on display at the FINA Open Water Swimming Grand Prix, which kicked off in Argentina on January 27. Italy's Simone Ercoli had a strong start, touching first in the Rosario and Santa Fe legs while Esther Nunez from Spain, one of the most successful open water swimmers in the Grand Prix, took out Race 1 among women and claimed the bronze in Race 2.

The upcoming 88km Hernandarias-Parana (ARG) race, the longest of the eight-leg event, will be held on February 10.