Perfect conditions and strong performances of the first finishers only begins to tell the story of another safe, fun event that serves as a great developmental tool for swimmers that was the 28th Foster’s Food Fair Open Water Swim.
The Cayman Islands Amateur Swim Association produced another superb 800 metres race with support from and for a multitude of groups and people.
“Great participation for a well organised event,” said Ian Armiger, Cayman Swimming’s new technical director.
“It was neat to see how well it was organised from the start to the timing and awards,” said Jessica Siegele, a new coach at Camana Bay Aquatic Club. “We had many first time sea swimmers compete from Camana Bay Aquatic Club and I think it was cool to see so many young swimmers involved in open water swimming. In the states we are usually not exposed to open water swimming at such a young age.”
“Strong performances at many levels,” added Andy Copley, Stingray Swim Club coach. “These kids are so lucky to have this kind of open water conditions and these events, to help them develop.”
Of the 140 finishers to complete the course, 23 were just ten years or younger. Ten were eight or under.
With another 26 in the 11-14 year age range, making a total of 49 becomes a tale of woe for the likes of No.50, tennis pro Dale Avery, who seeks to beat a kid, any kid. Despite his continued improvement, a time of 15 minutes 21 seconds, more and more kids just seem to keep getting faster and stronger.
There is justification for sympathy for the adults, with serious jobs and busy lives, who don’t have the time to train as much as the competitive youngsters. But many still find time to swim for health and pleasure, in Cayman’s beautiful, accessible calm waters.
As always, at swimming association sea swims, the first three finishers in each of the 24 age/sex groups were well recognised. Chi-Chi Foster, handing out trophies, has seemingly reversed the hands of time, looking younger and trimmer than ever, due in part to all her swimming.
Besides the prowess of first finishers of the McCallum, Butler, Tomascik, Morgan, Rombough, Balderamos and Boothe families there are other stories of success at many levels of Cayman Islands Amateur Swimming Association sea swim finishers.
Giving out the awards last year, Woody Foster promised he would swim next time and swim he did, finishing in a respectable time of well under 20 minutes. But older cousin Shane still finished 25 places ahead of him.
Youngest finisher, Marisa Poole, six, swam a strong freestyle the entire way. The entire crowd cheered on finalist Tahiti Seymour, who finished with 6½ minutes to spare of the 40 minute safety cut off time.
Developing young athletes and friends Will Geldard and Oliver Burnstein finished together. As did parent-child teams of Ben and Sharon Stainrod, Riley and Janet Doyle, Lara and Joanna Humphries, Cameron and Alistair Walters, Rorie and Cameron, Esther and Alan Johnson.
Amidst the teenagers from the two swim clubs who dominate the first 20 place finishes are some mature seriously good athletes finishing strong included Pam Abbott, Michelle Bailey, Kerrie Kanuga, Marius Acker, Bill McFarland, Patrick Barron, Peter Stafford, Mike Fullerton, Jeff Danter, governor Duncan Taylor, Ben White and Erik Cronier.
Many enjoy the benefits of the cross-training opportunity offered by the series of open water events, including Steve Evans, Piers Stradling and Jim Fraser who continues his cross training by setting up the course and haul the heavy finish line stanchions for each swim.
Anne Jackson waited for her trophy, then rushed off to catch a flight home to the Brac. Continuing to demonstrate their love of ocean swimming and continued fitness, Barb Pederson, Victor Thompson and Frankie Flowers. Thompson finished before over 100 others.
It was all made possible by the long term sponsorship and working relationship between Foster’s and the swimming association.
Meanwhile, two of Cayman’s Special Olympics swimmers, Andrew Smilley and Kanza Bodden were in Puerto Rico at the inaugural Special Olympics World Aquatics Invitational, earning four swim medals between them.
Smilley won silver in a 1500m open water event, due in part to his vast open water experience, much of it in similar CIASA events.
The swimming association was delighted to welcome Subway to the team, ensuring healthy snacks for all after the swims.
Swim organiser Dagmar Wojcicki and race director Peter MacKay very much appreciated the entire crew of volunteers who spend part of their Saturday afternoon ensuring a safe event and also the paddle boarders, kayakers, beach marshalls, medical crew, finish line placers and timers, registration and results recorders.
There is always appreciation for the support of companies: Red Sail Sports for the kayaks, Waterman for the paddleboards, the Flowers Group for tents and set up and much more, Sprint for bringing in trophies and the police boat for watching as much as they can.
The year’s last 800m sea swim, CUC’s 24th, is on 13 October and will also serve as warm-up for the Pirates Week 5K on 10 November.
There is justification for sympathy for the adults, with serious jobs and busy lives, who don’t have the time to train as much as the competitive youngsters.
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