Russia`s Larisa  Ilchenko won the women`s 10km marathon swimming title at the Beijing Olympic Games at Shunyi Rowing and Canoeing Park in Beijing on August 20, 2008.

Larisa Ilchenko clocked 1 hour 49 minutes and 27.7 seconds, followed by Keri-Anne Payne and Cassandra Patten, both from Britain, in the second and third places respectively.

Larisa Ilchenko of Russia spills her drink during the women`s marathon 10km swimming competition at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games August 20, 2008. Ilchenko won the women`s marathon title. [Agencies]

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.

Athletes at the start of the women 10km marathon open water race for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games at the Shunyi Rowing and Canoeing Park in Beijing on August 20, 2008. [Agencies]

Swimmers dive into the water to start the women`s marathon 10km swimming competition at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, August 20, 2008. [Agencies]

Swimmers dive into the water to start the women`s marathon 10km swimming competition at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, August 20, 2008. [Agencies]