A total of 34 swimmers completed last Saturday’s swimming stint. “This is considered a personal challenge swim by many of the swimmers—them against the distance/elements,” said Saipan Swim Club’s Lisa Kimball in an email to the Variety.
“We had over 15 first timers this year. Among those was eight year old Taiga Sato who swam with eight year old Lennosuke Suzuki who was doing it for a second time. Joining Taiga for the first time was Coach Mike Villagomez and daughter Keanna. Second timer, Lewie Tenorio shared his expertise with 15 year old Matthew Maeda by pairing up with him for his first time swim,” Kimball added.
The Variety learned that last year’s winner Andrew Kimball was weathering through sickness all week. The young gun did not want to miss this year’s race and joined the race finishing fourth overall in a pool of 34 swimmers with 45:31.
“One of the highlights on this swim is the amount of sea life that the swimmers get to swim with. Many eagle rays were sighted this year, but no jelly fish like last year. The heavy rain held off until everyone was finished, but those who took time to enjoy the sights were blessed with a double rainbow to the south,” said Kimball.
The Saipan Swim Club would like to thank the kayakers: Brian Bearden, Aric Bickel, Derek Chambers, Dennis Chapla, Judy Hawkins, Ann Jordan, Robert Jordan, Steven McKagan, Brian Stroup and Jason Tinney.
They would like to thank Sergeant Santos and DPS-Boating Safety, John Hirsh, Lynn Tenorio, Jun Lee and Robert Torres, Don Dunlop and the Sunrider crew for transporting the swimmers to Managaha, Saipan Adventure Sports Club for the use of their buoys for the finish, and to this year’s sponsors: American Red Cross, DFS, McDonalds and PIC.
