Cape Town - Durban teenager Robyn Kinghorn was South Africa’s best finisher in the FINA World Championships women’s 10km open water final in Budapest, Hungary at the weekend.

According to the SASCOC website, Kinghorn placed 43rd out of the 59 finishers as France’s Aurelie Muller won in a time of 2:00:13.70.

Kinghorn was just over 11 minutes back in 2:11:25.80. Fellow South African Sasha-Lee Nordengen-Corris was 50th in 2:14:43.40.

Encouraging for Kinghorn, who turns 18 next month, is that she’s still a relative greenhorn in the world of 10km swimming.

‘This was only my fourth 10km but I’m starting to enjoy it more and more,’ said Kinghorn of her championships so far.

‘My 10km was good, It was a very strong field of swimmers who have many years of experience and for me being my first World Champs it was slightly daunting but I very much enjoyed the swim, the conditions were okay, at times slightly too choppy but that’s what open water is about.

‘I gave it my best and am excited for what the future holds for me.

‘So far it’s been such a wonderful experience for me. The host country has been amazing, so well organised and professional.’

Kinghorn next swims the 5km on Wednesday.

‘I’m looking forward to my 5km. I think I would have to say my 5km is probably better than 10km at the moment.’

Meanwhile, two-time Olympian Chad Ho took 11th spot in the men’s 5km with a time of 54:48.60, 17.20 behind France’s Marc-Antoine Olivier.

‘It was a tough race at the end,’ said Ho, who recently celebrated the birth of his first child. 

‘I’m disappointed with how it went. However I remain focused and more determined going into the 10km on Tuesday.’

Ho is joined by fellow South African Nico Manoussakis and the race will be screened live on SuperSport 5 from 09.50.