ALL RESULTS
|
Inaugural Upolu-Savai'i Swimmers, Phillip Ryan, Abby Armstrong, Bronwen Burmester and Todd Pritchard.
Not in the picture is Kate Sinclair of the Gold Coast who also finished.
Not in the picture is Kate Sinclair of the Gold Coast who also finished.
Phillip Ryan Swims to Inaugural Record
|
Phillip Ryan (25) of Auckland, swam his way into the record books in Samoa to win the inaugural Upolu-Savai'i 22.3km swim. Phillip's time of 5:03:15 is now the benchmark for the annual race across Apolima Strait.
The inaugural event drew five solo swimmers and two teams from Samoa. The solo swimmers include Abby Armstrong of Hamilton, Bronwen Burmester (Whangamata), Todd Pritchard (Auckland) and Kate Sinclair (Gold Coast). Abby (28) won the women's crown. The swim was not without major challenges. Whilst the sea was smooth and flat the water movement that was generated by cyclone Zena over Fiji had a major impact on the race. The finish line had to be moved to Salelavalu village to avoid a fast developing dog leg due to the massive current that was sweeping all swimmers to the right. In the end however, everyone swam a minimum of 22.3kms. Some, like Abby, showed 27kms on the garmin reading at the end of her swim. All the swimmers were tested big time. Each had to dig deep inside their reserves to make it to the finish. Abby was the most affected by the current. She was swept far wider than everyone else. She sustained stomach cramps and threw up a big part of the last half of the race. Yet, she made it to the finish. Phillip Ryan was not exempted from the trials. Twice he showed his frustration with little progress in the middle of the course. "I found it tough today. If I found it tough I imagine it would be even tougher for you guys," he said at the Medals ceremony after the race. For their efforts each of the swimmers was awarded with Savai'i Citizenship. That was presented by the Minister for Education Sports and Culture, the Hon. Loau Solamalemalo Keneti Sio. They each also received a Savai'i Passport from the Savaii Tourism Association, which includes free accommodation and other offers for the next time they return to the island. The 2017 Upolu-Savai'i Race is already on the Calendar for 2017, for Tuesday, 4th April. Early bird entries at this year's prices close at the end of May, next month. The swim is the opening event of the Savai'i Games that includes a 180km Ride around the Island, a one day challenge. The Games also includes a Surf Carnival and the Savai'i marathon on Saturday, 8th April, 2017. Seti Afoa Director, Samoa Events |
LONG BAY 10KM
| ||||
| long_bay_10km_swim_dec_2015.pdf |
