Stoychev & Pankina are the Top Marathon Pros

Petar Stoychev is the overall winner of the 2008 FINA Open Water Swimming Grand Prix for the eighth consecutive year. From 2001 to 2008, Stoychev has been dominant and won this year's Grand Prix series with 126 points. Stoychev won six races out of nine races on the pro cricuit. He was by Brendan Capell(89 points) and Stéphane Gomez (84 points).

Natalia Pankina won the women's circuit with 110 points, winning four of the nine races. She was followed by Stefanie Biller (99 points) and defending series champion Esther Nuñez Morera (85 points).

MEN
1. Petar Stoychev (BUL): 126 pts, US$15,000
2. Brendan Capell (AUS): 89 pts, US$10,000
3. Stéphane Gomez (FRA): 84 pts, US$5,000

WOMEN
1. Natalia Pankina (RUS): 110 pts, US$15,000
2. Stefanie Biller (GER): 99 pts, US$10,000
3. Esther Nuñez Morera (ESP): 85 pts, US$5,000

Photo of Petar Stoychev in Beijing by Pei Qingsheng