There are several factors which impact recovery.
Was the athlete ready for this distance, intensity etc. at the time?
How were things going into the race? Recovered from training volume?
Does your team have a strength training component to their training?

Was the pain new with race 1?
Deviations in running technique?
Could have reach tissue tolerance levels for the deviation(s) in technique.

Are you addressing the possibility of shin splints?
Could be an impacting factor to the situation
Episode 270: MobRx for Shin Splints
Pro Episode # 37 – User Request Friday – Shin Splints

Active recovery in a pool is great.
Get the muscle contractions to keep things moving without stress on the joints, muscles, and tissues.