Sikkel, Batallones pace 1,000m race

From right, Saipan Swim Club’s Moshe Sikkel, Swimming Center Tsunami Saipan’s Andrew Nunez, and SSC’s Michael Miller, finished 1-2-3 in the 1,000m race of Saipan Swim Club’s Triple Crown Open Water Swim Series held last Saturday, Sept. 25, in the waters off Civic Center Beach in Susupe. (Mark Rabago)

Moshe Sikkel and Maria Batallones topped the 1,000m race of Saipan Swim Club’s final Triple Crown Open Water Swim Series held last Saturday, Sept. 25, in the waters off Civic Center Beach in Susupe.

Swimming for SSC, Sikkel touched the flag in 14:01.14 to rule the men’s division. He was followed by Swimming Center Tsunami Saipan’s Andrew Nunez who timed in at 14:36.17. SSC’s Michael Miller completed the Top 3 in 14:59.66.

Sikkel said winning the final 1,000m competition of the Triple Crown series came as a surprise for him.

“I started my race really fast because I wanted to stay close to my closest competitors. Andrew beat me in the first two races and I wasn’t expecting to out-swim him in this one. I am happy with my first place and to be honest I had absolutely no idea that was going to happen,” he said.

Nunez said he was just happy that the open water race pushed through considering there was inclement weather days before.

“Considering that the previous couple days provided uncertainty with news of a tropical storm, seeing that the ocean water was at tranquility brought much inspiration and determination upon me. Through this, I was able to reach my goal of finishing strong and receiving another silver medal. However, none of this would have been possible without my Tsunami team and our efficient teamwork for each other. Thank you to all the organizers, coaches, and parents who supported us and made this monumental event of the Triple Crown race possible,” he said.

After missing the first two open water races, Miller was just content to catch the last bus and was delighted to have placed.

From right, Swimming Center Tsunami Saipan’s Maria Batallones, Sari Barman, and Jessica Ma finished 1-2-3 in the 1,000m race of Saipan Swim Club’s Triple Crown Open Water Swim Series held last Saturday, Sept. 25, in the waters off Civic Center Beach in Susupe. (Mark Rabago)

“My game plan was to try my best. I missed the first two races and didn’t expect to get third place in this one. The race was harder than I expected, but I am happy with my result,” he said.

Batallones was far and away the best swimmer in the 1,000m race, including not only the men in the same distance but also the women’s in the qualifiers, as she submitted a time of 13.55.66. Teammates Sari Barman and Jessica Ma were second and third at 16:24.32 and 16:58.07, respectively.

Batallones said she’s just glad that she finished the open water series strong.

“Saturday’s race was the final race of the series. I was happy with my results and glad the current and weather cooperated with us. I think my teammates and I finished strong. I am glad we were all able to complete this and have fun. Fun because we were all able to participate and support each other along the way. Putting effort is very important in these kind of events, so seeing everyone’s effort was nice. I hope to see more of these in the future,” she said.

Barman admitted that the final open water series was very exhausting, but was thrilled to finish runner-up to Batallones.

“The last ocean swim was very tiring. I got really tired after going through the third buoy. But I knew that I had to kick, stroke, and pace myself a bit more seriously. At last, I didn’t expect myself to get second place in girls. Even though most of the boys beat me, I was still proud of myself. Overall the ocean swim was very fun and exciting.”

Ma said all throughout the swim she was reminded of Tsunami Saipan coach Hiro Kimura’s marching orders to his swimmers.

“I would like to thank my coach for pushing me to train hard everyday. Also my teammates for cheering me on. The course felt a bit longer than the one last time, so it was a bit harder. I felt really tired after that race. But I know I did good, and my coach always tells me ‘hard work pays off!’”

Results of the 500m, 100m, 50m, and 25m open water races will be published in next issues of the Saipan Tribune.