Hello, I'm sorry if this is the wrong place for discussion, but this question was posed on a non-science forum and it's drawn a lot of interest:

What animal would win a race starting in 100 meters of water and finishing 100 meters on land. No flight allowed. The land is flat, unfrozen grass or dirt.

The contenders seem to be otters, seals, moose, polar bears, horses, and hippos. Any opinions out there?

Thanks for your time!

I would have to say the protozoan riding on the nose of the second place winner.

Why do you exclude humans? They are capable of meeting the requirements of the course you propose, and we are certainly qualified as animals.

Humans are allowed but are rather poor swimmers.