The Women's 5K race at the 2000 World Open Water Swimming Championships was held on October 31, 2000 in the waters off Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA.
Peggy Büchse from Germany outlasted the others and captured her first world championship title. "In Germany I am a famous person and there is some pressure on me but I am glad that I could swim to their expectations" said Büchse immediately after the race. "I was surprised that I won. "I am used to lake swimming," she continued. "The ocean is very different with the waves and the current which were quite strong. I am thankful for the support of my friends and my family.
USA's Kalyn Keller finished second and immediately sent notice to her brother, Klete, that he would have to share some of the limelight. "He has his medal and now I have mine, but I still have many races to go before I can catch up with him." Her older brother won the bronze medal in the 400m Freestyle during the Sydney Olympic Games.
Twenty-eight-year-old Viola Valli from Italy, who finished third, trains with Club San Milano.