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Finale of Triple Crown Open Water Swim Series on Sept. 25
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Posted on Sep 09 2021
Saipan Swim Club SSC coach Richard Sikkel makes last-minute instructions in the Triple Crown Open Water Swim Series last July 10 in the waters off Civic Center Beach in Susupe. (Mark Rabago)
The final installment of Saipan Swim Club’s Triple Crown Open Water Swim Series that will determine the CNMI’s delegation to the 2021 FINA World Championships will be held this coming Sept. 25.
The Northern Mariana Islands Swimming Federation-sanctioned events will choose four swimmers (top two men and top two women) that will represent the CNMI in the world championships in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates this coming December.
So far, Swimming Center Tsunami Saipan bets Jinnosuke Suzuki and Juhn Tenorio are leading in the men’s qualifiers. Ditto for their teammates and sisters Asaka and Shoko Litulumar.
SSC coach Richard Sikkel, however, doesn’t count out an upset in the Sept. 25 race that could shake up the final standings in the world championship qualifiers.
“We didn’t keep a running total because it comes down to the last race. Jin and Jun are the favorites in the men’s race. In the women’s it will be interesting to see who comes out on top. Asaka has a good chance, Shoko too, but Jinie [Thompson] might throw a monkey wrench in a Tsunami sweep. Taiyo [Akimaru], Jakey [Deleon Guerrero], and Savita [Sikkel] are the dark horses,” he said.
This will mark Thompson’s first appearance in the Triple Crown Open Water Swim Series as she’s been off-island the past couple of months.
Aside from the 1,000m qualifying race for the world championships, other races on the table are 20m for beginners, 50m for intermediate, 100m for advanced, 500m open, 1,000m open, and 1,500m open.
Like the first two editions of the Triple Crown Open Water Swim Series, the Sept. 25 race will held in the waters off Guma Sakman/500 Sails beach. An awards ceremony will be held after the race.
Those who are interested in joining the open water swim only have until Sept. 23 to sign up.
Registration and more information about the Triple Crown Open Water Swim Series can be accessed via https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=252694&fbclid=IwAR0ZGVFRv_dfGXIrtHVGEA5fo3c2Q9juVa6FlpHstsFyYPmvVgnKRzC1jsg.
