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HSBC SAIPAN OCEAN SWIM Strong competition from Japan
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Posted on Apr 03 2000
Over 200 swimmers competed in the two-day 22nd Annual HSBC Saipan Ocean Swim held at the Kan Pacific Swimming Pool and at the beach off Saipan Diamond Hotel, with the teams from Japan coming out strong in the competition.
Five records were broken and eight more were established in the different age group categories in the 2.5km Master’s course. Japan’s swimmers, who in the past have not been strong open water swimmers, provided some tough competition this year for Saipan’s swimmers.
Taichi Matsumoto, 8, and Kaori Okamoto, 11, both of the Watermates SC of Yokohama, broke their respective age group records held formerly by Sho Saso and Audra Winkfield. Taichi clocked 11:41 for his 0.6km and Kaori 17.57 for the 1.3km course. Rena Kakuno, 9, from Tsumugi Swim School broke Tamiko Winkfield’s record in 1.0 course in 16.26.
In the Master’s division, coach Yoshiharu Endo of the International Buccaneers broke Bill Sakovich’s record in 22.19 in the 50 and over category, and Setsuko Kobayashi broke the 60 and over record held by Kimiko Numaza of Japan, both in the 1.3 km course.
Saipan’s Amanda Johnson, 8, Xenavee Pangelinan (Sr.) and Seung Gin Lee (Sr.) were the lone first place finishers in their age group division, but all Saipan swimmers performed well.
Tracey Feger, Tamiko, Jeremy Winkfield, Myana Welch, Davide Perry and Rezne Wong all placed high for medals, and Saipan Swim Club coaches said the local team swam their best during the competition.
In the Master’s division, Erica Frink, Colin Thompson, Jess Ronquillo, Carol Lyn Pierce, Nicole Forelli, Bob Gardner, Chloe Wurr, and Jean Sakovich all won their respective age groups. Sixty-four masters competed in the annual event.
