The 24th Annual CUC 800m Sea Swim; 2 current and 2 past Olympian, 142 swimmers and countless volunteers … those are the numbers from last weekend’s Sea Swim and the times are just as impressive.

Leading the pack from the start were Olympians Shaune and Brett Fraser and Stingray Swim Club’s Alex McCallum closely followed by Iain McCallum, Simon Butler and Coach Darren Mew. For those on the shoreline the top three finishers provided an exciting race to the end with Shaune, in 10:42 just coming in ahead of Alex in 10:43 and Brett in 10:53.

First woman across the line was Camana Bay Aquatic Club’s Danielle Boothe in a time of 12:21 and an impressive 11th place overall finishing position.

Featuring two current Olympians: Shaune and Brett; and two past Olympians: Andrew Mackay for Cayman and Darren Mew for the UK, Cayman Swimming’s Technical Director Coach Ian Armiger was impressed with the event: “the presence of Cayman Olympic stars, Shaune and Brett Fraser, added extra spice to the ever popular CUC Swim.

Their presence obviously inspired all the participants, none more so than Alex McCallum who produced a superb performance.

Amongst the whole field there were examples of personal success; from category medalists to those entering for the very first time. Without doubt a superbly organised event.

Pat Bynoe-Clarke, Manager Corporate Communications at CUC echoed Coach Ian’s enthusiasm: “CUC is committed to supporting our youth and inviting Shaune and Brett to come home and compete in our sea swim seemed like a win-win for all of us. They are extraordinary young men, their commitment and dedication to their sport is self evident and they were gracious, charming and excellent role models for Cayman’s swimmers – young and old alike. I would also like to thank all of the CUC family members who participated in the swim and to congratulate our first finisher – Lauren Hew – who won a Bronze Medal at Carifta in the Bahamas earlier this year.”

Coach Andy Copley swimming in his first open water swim since arriving in Cayman had this to say about the event: “there were good swims all around by the kids on the island today – both CBAC and Stingray. I think it’s really fantastic to see both clubs out in full force taking part in the fun”.

Every sea swim it seems as if the overall top twenty finishers get younger and younger, and this is a testament to the continually increasing focus on providing them with excellent coaching in the competitive age group levels. But, special mention must be made of one of Cayman Swimming’s most loyal supporters and participants Mr Victor Thompson. He doesn’t let anything hold him back and finished the swim in a respectable 15:16, crossing the finish line first in his age group and in 39th position overall – ahead of his longtime swimming competitor Mr Frank Flowers and a host of other swimmers.

Their success, along with that of many other swimmers is just one more reason that swimming is heralded as an excellent sport for maintaining fitness for athletes of all ages!

CUC provided all swimmers with goody bags and the top three finishers in each age

group also received trophies: 8 & Under Girls – Avery Lambert, Boys – Liam Sinclair; 9-10 Girls – Zororo Mutomba, Boys – Zachary Moore; 11-12 Girls – Stefanie Boothe, Boys – Matthew Somerville; 13-14 Girls – Catriona Macrae, Boys – Simon Butler; 15-19 Girls – Danielle Boothe, Boys – Alexander McCallum; 20-29 Girls – Alison Dean, Boys – Shaune Fraser; 30-34 Women – Kristy Van Den Broek, Men – Darren Mew; 35-39 Women – Andrea Kilam-Higgo, Men – Johann Prinsloo; 40-44 Women – Tessa McLean, Men – Marius Acker; 45-49 Women – Laura McLean, Men – Richard Hew; 50-59 Women – Anne Jackson, Men – William McFarland and 60-69 Women – Barb Person and Men – Victor Thompson.

Full results are available on CIASA’s website www.ciasa.ky in the Open Water/CUC 800M section tabs.

The next CIASA organized Open Water Sea Swim is the Pirates Week 5K Swim which takes place on Saturday November 10th 2012.

Images: CUC