(SSC): The Cayman National Pentathlon, hosted by the Stingray Swim Club (SSC) of Grand Cayman at the Lions Aquatic Centre opened the 2013-2014 competitive age group season with a resounding splash. A splash which was accompanied by the first two official qualifying times being posted for CARIFTA 2014 and a number of personal bests throughout the meet.

Treasure Island Swim Club (TTI) were also on the blocks at the start of the meet along with the small, but extremely competitive Triple C school team – making for lots of exciting races for the friends and family in the stands.

Cayman National’s Donna Thompson, on hand at the start of the meet, happily took part by volunteering as a timer and wishing all of the swimmers the “fastest of swims”.

“I was amazed at how small the youngest swimmers are,” she said. “I have three nieces who swim, but they are 11 and 12. When you see a 5 year old dive in, you just have to be impressed at their courage and tenacity. Swimming at the meet is for competition, but swimming is also an extremely important life skill. A life skill which we can only hope every child in Cayman has the opportunity to learn.”

Stingray’s Head Coach Andy Copley was happy with the start to the season, “After just six weeks back at regular training it was encouraging to see some big personal bests and our first two CARIFTA qualifying times posted. Now it is back to the business of training as we prepare for a Halloween Meet – the Spooky Splash – and the Pirates Week Meet, November 14-17th.”

Brandon Williams and John Bodden both dropped time in every event, Brandon dropping 3 seconds in both the 100m backstroke and 100m breaststroke, and John dropping more than 7 seconds in the 100 IM. Monina Thompson also dropped in every event, leaving her best mark in the 100 IM as well, dropping over 6 seconds. Danielle Seales, whose return to training is marked by a renewed enthusiasm, had the best meet of her career so far and dropped over 26 seconds in the 50 butterfly.

The next event on the Stingray Swim Club Calendar is the Mike Lockwood Memorial Pirates Week Meet, 14-17th November, which offers a full array of events – sprint, middle and long distances. Meet packages and registration forms will be available shortly. Please contact the Meet Director, Kathy Jackson for more information on [email protected] .