Russia's Larisa Ilchenko won the gold medal for the Olympic Games women's 10 kilometres marathon swim on Wednesday and insisted amputee rival Natalie du Toit deserves a medal just for competing.

The 19-year-old Russian won gold in a time of 1 hour 59.27 minutes, but much of the race's focus was on South African Du Toit, the first amputee to qualify for the Olympic Games, who finished 16th.

The 24-year-old Du Toit, who took five gold medals and a silver in the pool at the 2004 Paralymics, won many admirers just for competing in Beijing despite losing her lower leg after a motor accident in 2001.

"I would go as far as to award her a separate medal," said gold-medalist Ilchenko. "I have enormous respect for what she has done and just looking at someone like her is an inspiration."

Sticking with her tactics

Ilchenko has dominated open water swimming since 2004, winning five consecutive 5km world championships and three straight 10km races.

She used her trademark tactics to great effect by hanging off the leaders and attacking in the final 500 metres to claim gold at the Shunyi Olympic Rowing-Canoeing Park, on the outskirts of Beijing.

Having led for most of the race, Britain's Keri-Anne Payne claimed silver in a time of 1 hours 59.29 minutes, alongside compatriot Cassandra Patten who took bronze in 1 hour 59.31 minutes.

"It doesn't bother me in the least, it is the Olympics and the best athlete wins," said the Russian when asked if her wait-and-see tactics were unfair.

"How can I just stop and let another athlete win and let another girl take my medal? I worked as hard as any other girl and I don't think it's unfair."

Emotions run high

With an hour gone, the British pair had a five-metre gap over the leading pack, which included Ilchenko.

The Russian 19-year-old sat behind the British pair with Brazilian duo Poliana Okimoto, 25, and 16-year-old Ana Chunka until just before the two hour stage, when she closed the gap.

She chased down the Brits along with Germany's Angela Maurer, who eventually finished fourth, and the Russian was clear for the final 100 metres as her rivals tired.

"This is an Olympics and everyone wants to get a medal, she shouldn't have any hard feelings, she won fair and square," said Payne in defence of the winner.

There was a heated exchange of words between Patten and Maurer after they climbed out of the water.

"At the end of the race there is obviously going to be a lot of emotion and things happen in races which I wouldn't do because I believe that is not sportsmanship," said Patten.

"But I am not going to sit here and slag someone off because at the end of the day, I have the medal."

AFP