“NMSF certified Kai’s 50m Fly and 50m Back as CNMI National Record during the last meeting,” said head coach Hiroyuki Kimura in an email to the Marianas Variety.
“I’m so glad with having this NMSF decision. Kai is the greatest sprinter in the CNMI’s swimming history. He is the best sprinter I have ever seen here,” Kimura added.
“Therefore, I hope his best time of 50m Fly and Back will be put into the National Record as soon as possible. His time, 27.87 of 50m Fly and 29.50 of 50m Back, are worth more than enough for the National Record,” said Kimura.
The Variety learned that although Staal has now been granted the National Record, he will not be compete in the Guam Championships this month because he is scheduled to take the SATs the same day the competition will commence.
“Although Kai will not make it to Guam, after summer, several big meets await him. After the summer break we will concentrate our practice regimen on sprinting. Our dream is to cut 23 seconds in the 50m freestyle. It is the dream not only for us but also for the CNMI swim federation,” explained head coach Kimura.
The Variety also learned that the Saipan Swim Club would like to wait until after the Guam meet results to determine which swimmers will go to the competition in Shanghai, China. The Tsunami swim club is planning a 20 meter short course meet on May 21.
