Larisa Ilchenko of Russia gears up to the finish line during women's marathon 10km competition at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games swimming event in Beijing, China, Aug. 20, 2008. Larisa Ilchenko of Russia won the gold medal of the event.(Xinhua/Liu Dawei) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- Russia's Larisa Ilchenko pulled away from her chasers in the women's marathon 10-kilometer swimming here Wednesday, snatching the first Olympic gold in open water swimming.

    Ilchenko, who followed British swimmers Cassandra Patten and Keri-Anne Payne during most part of the race, successfully overtook the two British after the last turn and finished the race in one hour 59 minutes and 27.7 seconds.

Gold medalist Larisa Ilchenko of Russia smiles during victory ceremony of women's marathon 10km competition at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games swimming event in Beijing, China, Aug. 20, 2008. (Xinhua/Liu Dawei) Photo Gallery>>>

    British Payne proved herself as an outstanding long distance swimmer with a silver in 1:59:29.2. Payne finished with a disappointing 11th position at the 2007 World Championships after being stung in the mouth by a jellyfish while leading the 10km open water event.

    World championships silver medalist Patten won bronze in 1:59:31.0.

Gold medalist Larisa Ilchenko of Russia (C), the runner-up Keri-Anne Payne (L) and bronze winner Cassandra Patten, both of Great Britain, pose on the podium during victory ceremony of women's marathon 10km competition at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games swimming event in Beijing, China, Aug. 20, 2008. (Xinhua/Liu Dawei) Photo Gallery>>>