First award that was given out to was “Rookie of The Year” for 2010-2011 presented to Miku Tammy.
“This award is presented to a best Rookie Tsunami Swimmer that achieved good results this season. She started swimming at the American Red Cross lessons last summer. Before that, she didn’t know how to swim,” said head coach Hiroyuki Kimura.
“Now, she improved a lot and no one in her age group in the CNMI can beat her. She just turned 9 years old last April but she already broke many CNMI records in the eight and under age group. Next season, we really expect more improvement from her,” coach Hiro added.
The “Most Attendance” award for 2010-2011 was presented to Kaito Yanai, Kensuke Kimura, Ryuto Yanai, Ryosei Toda, and Hiroto Yanai.
The variety learned that this season the Tsunami Saipan Swim Club hosted 266 practices. The top two swimmers in highest attendance percentage were Kaito Yanai and Kensuke Kimura.
Current CNMI Record Holder
“First of all, when the Tsunami Swim Club was first established there were so many old CNMI records. Especially in the 8 and under category that almost all of those records were too old because some were made before 1990,” explained Coach Hiro.
The Variety also learned that since the swim club started their record breaking show, they have achieved their 100th record break last Dec. and in the 8 and under boys category all record holders became Tsunami swimmers just this past season.
“Tsunami swimmers broke not only CNMI records but also some Guam records. Before, all Guam records were faster than the CNMI records but after the most recent championships held at the Hagatna Pool Center, CNMI swimmers can now say this is no longer the case,” said Kimura.
The CNMI record holders include: Ryuto Yanai, Lukas Kang, Ryosei Toda, Angel Tan, Kaito Yanai, Kensuke Kimura, and Kai Staal.
Ryuto Yanai now holds five CNMI eight and under age group records which include: the 50m freestyle, 100m freestyle, 200m freestyle, 50m breast stroke, and the 50m butterfly.
Lukas Kang holds the 50m backstroke, 100m backstroke, 100m breast stroke, 100m butterfly, and 200m individual medley.
This season, Kang and Yanai also broke Guam records in the 200m freestyle, 50m backstroke, 50m butterfly, and the 200m individual medley event.
Ryosei Toda broke the 200m breast stroke record at the most recent Guam Championships. Previous record holder was Kensuke Kimura. At the conclusion of this season Toda now holds the 200m breast stroke record in the 9-10 boys age group.
Angel Tan became the first female record holder for Tsunami Saipan during last season’s events. “She still continues to break more records this season,” said Coach Hiro.
“She broke the 400m individual medley record eclipsing Xenavee Pangelinan’s old record who also happened to be NMASA’s student athlete of the year for five straight years.
At the end of the 2010-2011 season Tan now holds three records which include: 50m breast stroke, 200m breast stroke, and the 400m individual medley in the 11-12 girls’ age group.
“Last season, Kaito broke so many records. But this season, he broke only one record because he aged up. Next season, when Kaito turns 12 years old, everyone will see his record breaking show like last season,” Coach Kimura said. Kaito holds the 200m breast stroke record for the 11-12 boys’ age group.
Kensuke marked eight CNMI records for season 2010-2011. The Variety learned that he is not only expected to break more CNMI records but he is also expected to represent the CNMI in future swimming competitions off island.
Kensuke Kimura holds the most records which are: the 800m freestyle, 1500m freestyle, 50m backstroke, 100m backstroke, 200m backstroke, 50m breast stroke, 200m individual medley, and the 400m individual medley for the 13-14 boys’ age group.
“Kai is the greatest sprinter in the CNMI history. He has also represented the CNMI in many off-island meets in the past. Kai’s new challenge will be to update the National record, and try to cut 24 seconds in the 50mLC freestyle event next season,” exclaimed Kimura.
Staal now holds the 50m freestyle record in the 15-16 boys’ age group, 50m backstroke, and the 50m butterfly National CNMI record. Other awards and results from the Tsunami Saipan Swim Club will be posted in tomorrow’s issue of the Marianas Variety.
