BALATONFURED, Hungary, July 20 (Xinhua) -- France won the open water Mixed 5km Team Relay race with a time of 54 minutes and 5.9 seconds at the 17th FINA World Championships on Thursday in Balatonfured, western Hungary.
The United States claimed the silver medal with 54 minutes 18.1 seconds, and Italy earned the bronze medal in 54 minutes 31.0 seconds.
According to new rules, 4-person Mixed 5km Team Relay debuted at this World Championships. Per team consists of four swimmers, two men and two women, each member has to swim 1,250 meters.
The French team was composed of Marc-Antoine Olivier, Aurelie Muller, David Aubry and Oceane Maryse Jeannie Cassignol. Both Olivier and Muller are gold medalists. Oliver won the men's 5km open water event, while Muler won the women's 10km open water event.
A total of 19 teams attended the race. Australia finished in 4th place, and Great Britain in 5th place. Brazil, Hungary, Germany placed sixth, seventh and eighth respectively. China's Hong Kong team placed 19th.
