JINNOSUKE Suzuki, Aoi Braxton, Jhun Tenorio and Shoko Litulumar are off to a great start after excelling in the first 1000m World Championship Qualifier races.
Their performances improved their chances to be selected to participate in the FINA or International Swimming Federation world championships to be held in Abu Dhabi on Dec. 16-21.
During the Triple Crown Open Water Swim Series on Saturday, seven local swimmers participated in a chance to compete internationally.
The first qualifier course stretched 1000m long and was a two-lap race.
Jinnosuke Suzuki took the lead right from the start and never looked back, completing the course with a time of 13.01.1 to finish first.
Not far behind was Jhun Tenorio who crossed the finish line at 13:25.5.
In the women’s division, Aoi Braxton took the top spot and was fifth overall, clocking at 15:17.3. She was followed by Shoko Litulumar with a time of 15:29.1 and Sativa Sikkel who finished third in the women’s division at 15:30.8.
Taiyo Akimura finished third overall at 14:37.0 while Christian Villacrusis was fourth overall with a time of 14:51.6.
It was the first of the three qualifiers to be held before the selection of four swimmers: two males and two females.
The second event, along with the second part of the Triple Crown Open Water Swim Series, will take place on Saturday, July 24, on the beach near Guma Sakman.
Participants in the qualifying races pose for a photo during the Triple Crown Open Water Swim Series held Saturday at the beach near Guma Sakman.
Jinnosuke Suzuki takes a breather during the 1000m race Saturday.
