Fukuoka Dome
Twenty seven minutes after fireworks signaled the start of the men's 10 km race, a close knit pack of five lead swimmers were navigating around buoy number three, the farthest distance from the start line, and beginning their return of the first lap of the course. Their course was straight for the Fukuoka Dome and directly into the bright sunlight that glowed off Hakata Bay. There were 29 athletes and almost as many boats. The brisk wind added a wavy chop and another challenge to these swimmers.