IRVINE, Calif. - Richard Weinberger, who will join the UVic Vikes swimming team in the fall, won the bronze medal in the 10km open water at the Pan Pacific championships on Sunday.

Weinberger touched third with a time of one hour and 56 minutes and 02.744 seconds. Chip Peterson led the U.S., to a 1-2 finish in 1:56:00.02, Frances Crippen was second in 1:56:02.744.

“The race today made me realize that I'm on the right path to representing Canada in London (at the Olympics),” the Victoria native said. “I see myself as an Olympian.”

Future Vikes teammate #Aimeson King# placed 11th in the race. King, who will return for his sophomore season with the Vikes qualified for Pan Pacs after winning the Canadian championship at Thetis Lake earlier this month.