Moesha Johnson Wins Pan Pacs 10km Open Water Gold in California

Australia's Moesha Johnson said she 'wanted to put on a show' as she won the first Pan Pacs gold medal in the 10km open water swim.

Johnson continued her dominance in the event, winning by more than 26 seconds from Japan's Airi Ebina in silver, and Ichika Kajimoto of Japan taking bronze.

The 2024 Olympic silver medallist has won all four 10km races in the World Cup this season.

Australia's world champion Moesha Johnson has continued her season of complete dominance in open water swimming, winning the Pan Pacific Championships 10-kilometre title off Long Beach, California.

Racing on the same waterfront expected to be used for the 2028 Olympics, 28-year-old Johnson grabbed the lead on the second of six laps and won comfortably in one hour 55 minutes and 33 seconds on Tuesday (AEST).

She finished more than 26 seconds clear of silver medallist Airi Ebina of Japan, with Ichika Kajimoto (Japan) third and fellow Australian Jacqueline Davison-McGovern fifth in the 23-strong field.

"I really wanted to win going into the race today, and it's a strong group of girls, they're really fit and everyone's in really good shape," Johnson said after the race.

"Realistically I had to keep an eye on where my heart rate and my effort was sitting and Jacqui (Davison-McGovern) was there at my feet the whole way.

"I wanted to keep her with me but at the end I just wanted to make sure I had the gears to keep shifting [up].

"I really wanted to have a dominating race on American soil leading into LA '28.

"Even when I was well ahead at the end I just wanted to keep putting on a show for everyone."

The victory extended a dazzling 2026 campaign for Johnson, who won all four World Cup 10km races plus all four 3km races.

The 2024 Olympic silver medallist is a three-time world championship gold medallist, having won 5km and 10km last year in Singapore.