Japan. Kitajima captures comeback victory in long-course.

Kosuke Kitajima has made a successful comeback to competitive swimming, winning the 100 metres at a time trials meet hel in the Tokyo Swimming Center Friday.

He has been out of action since the Beijing Olympics last summer.

The 27-year-old Olympic champion, competed in a swim meet in a 23-metre pool last weekend in California and yesterday in Tokyo he won the 100 breast on a long.course in 1:01.91.

New Zealand. Murphy and Webby win the first race of NZ Ocean Series, the Harbour Crossing in Auckland.

Murphy completed the 2,8km from from North Shore to Viaduct Harbour in 34:54.

Olympian Moss Burmester was second in 35:20 and Phillip Ryan third in 35.25.

Danyon Loader, 34-year-old double freestyle Olympic champion at the 1996 Games in Atlanta, made his comeback to comeptition finishing in 41.32.

Charlotte Webby won the female race in 38:15, ahead of Aussie Melissa Ingram (38.29) and Alannah Jury (38.45).

Unfortunately a man who was in his late 50s, died during the competition.

It is the third year in row a competitor has died during the open water swim.

Also see:

Loader back in the swim
Nov 10, 2009

Kosuke Kitajima to skip world championships in Rome
Jan 18, 2009