The Butler name carries much weight in Cayman’s swimming community. At a recent open water event, that point was driven home.
Geoffrey and Simon Butler would grab two of the top spots at the Foster’s 800 metre sea swim. Geoffrey lead the pack of 108 swimmers who journeyed from Governor’s Beach to Public Beach, crossing the finish in a time of 10.08.9. Brother Simon would place third in 10.47.1.
For Geoffrey, 15, the victory was hard-fought. Alex McCallum would sport a valiant sprint at the end and place second in a time of 10.10.7. The top ten finishers were separated by roughly two minutes. Most of them were some of Cayman’s top swimmers in the Under-21 age bracket.
Geoffrey states he is happy to beat out the likes of McCallum.
“It felt good to come out and win,” Butler said. “Alex was behind me the whole way. It was a very competitive field. There is a friendly rivalry between everyone. We’re all out trying to win bragging rights against our friends.”
Some notable figures in the sports community took part in the first open water swim after the summer break. Tri-athletes Johan Heath and Pam Abbott placed high with Heath coming tenth in 12.15.0 and Abbott finishing 19th in 13.19.9. To no surprise Governor Duncan Taylor showed his support and came 23rd with a solid time of 14.00.5.
Interestingly, the victory is the latest achievement for Geoffrey Butler over the last few weeks. Earlier this month he took part in the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games in the Isle of Man. There, he competed in four events with his best result being a sixth place finish in the men’s 400 metre individual medley. Geoffrey was one of only four athletes selected for the competition (the other three were swimmer Tori Flowers, gymnast Lauren Hill and javelin thrower Alex Pascal).
Geoffrey, who swam in the Fosters swim only days after arriving home from the British territory, states his focus now is on a number of events heading into next year.
“I only trained for the swim the day before it happened. I had five days off but it was tight and tiring. It’s good to be home and to compete in an event I’m familiar with. For me what’s next is the Youth Cup (hosted by the North York Aquatic Club) in Toronto, Canada in December. Then it’ll be on to CARIFTA in 2012.”
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