Reilly’s Inspiring 13th Place Finish in 5K at USA Open Water Championships: A Highlight for University of Denver Athletics

The University of Denver’s swimming and diving teams recently showcased their talent at the 2025 USA Swimming Open Water National Championships held in Sarasota, Florida.

Finn Holdredge was the first to dive in. He competed in the 10K race on Friday, finishing 27th out of 52 swimmers with a time of 2:01:35. This challenging distance is not for the faint-hearted, especially when racing against some of the best in the country.

Paige Reilly took her turn on Sunday in the 5K event, where she finished 13th out of 22 competitors, clocking in at 1:05:36. Holdredge returned to the water for the men’s 5K and placed 26th, finishing in 1:01:51.

Here’s a quick look at their results:

• Finn Holdredge
  • 10K: 27th/52 – 2:01:35
  • 5K: 26th/42 – 1:00:51
• Paige Reilly
  • 5K: 13th/22 – 1:05:36

Looking forward, Dylan Wright and Brandon Chapman will head to the 2025 South Africa National Swimming Championships from April 9-13. Both swimmers have a busy schedule ahead, competing in various events.

Dylan Wright’s events include:

• 100m Backstroke on April 9
• 200m Butterfly on April 10
• 4x200m Freestyle Relay on April 11
• 100m Butterfly on April 12
• 200m Backstroke and 4x100m Medley Relay on April 13

Brandon Chapman will compete in:

• 200m Butterfly on April 10
• 100m Freestyle on April 11
• 50m Freestyle on April 12
• 100m Butterfly on April 12
• 4x50m Freestyle Relay on April 12
• 50m Butterfly and 4x100m Medley Relay on April 13

Open water swimming is gaining popularity, with recent statistics showing a significant increase in participation over the last decade. According to a 2022 report from USA Swimming, enrollment in open water events rose by 40%. This trend reflects a growing interest in exploring aquatic sports beyond traditional pools.

Social media also plays a crucial role in promoting these events, as fans and athletes share their experiences. Hashtags like #OpenWaterSwimming often trend during championships, creating a vibrant online community around the sport.

Stay updated on the Denver Pioneers’ journey at DenverPioneers.com, where you can find comprehensive coverage of all 18 of DU’s NCAA Division I sports.

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