Baptiste, David claim Maracas Water Classic titles

The duo swam valiantly and were not deterred by the heavy rainfall on race day. Receiving silver in the male category was Baptiste’s club-mate David Wiltshire (38:56.6) while Stingray’s Nicholas Mitchell (41:07.7) grabbed bronze. Rounding off the top five finishers were Marlins’ Christian Gillette (41:10.2) and Tidal Wave’s Jeron O’Brien (41:41.6) respectively.

In the female equivalent, Torpedoes’ Jewel Mulrain (43:56.4) claimed silver while Marlins’ Dayna Gillette (45:05.4) had to settle for bronze. Completing the top-five were Stingray’s Sangeeta Maharaj (45:09.5) and Marlins swimmer Chelsie Reddon (45:41.4) respectively.

Swimmers in the Masters category of the 2650m also gave a good account of themselves at the Classic. Copping the Female 30-34 was Kathrin Renner (57:28.7) while Kester Scanterbury (43:45.3) bagged the male equivalent. In the 35-39 category, Raphaele Dambo (51:53.1) splashed to gold in the female while Alex Smailes (44:27.2) emerged the victor in the male version.

Also powering to victory in the Male 40-44 was Emile Mohammed (57:14.7); 45-49 Patrick Lee Loy (44:23.5) of Trinidad and Tobago Aquatics.

However, the persistent rainfall forced the feature event (5000m) to be aborted. Poor visibility in the water also proved to be a factor to the race abandonment.

Meanwhile in the 750m race, swimmers 12 and under were able to compete for top honours. Taking top spot in the eight and Under (female) was Marlins swimmer Zoe Sophia Anthony (18:26.2); runner-up Tidal Wave’s Chaela Lewis (21:19.3) and third placed Tidal Wave’s Kiara Goodridge (21:47.5).

Atlantis Aquatics’ Michael Mc Leod (15:25.6), Marlins’ Ross Gillette (15:39.3) and Marlins’ Nikoli Blackman (17:57.9) claimed the top-three positions respectively in the male equivalent.

The organising committee openly thanked all those who contributed to this year’s event including Petrotrin, Blue Waters, Gatorade, Tidco, the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard, R.E.A.C.T and all the volunteers who ensured a successful outcome.

This event was hosted by the Amateur Swimming Association of Trinidad and Tobago (ASATT).

Top 10 overall winners (2650m)

Female: 1.Shania David (43.26.2) Tidal Wave; 2.Jewel Mulrain (43:56.4) Torpedoes; 3. Dayna Gillettee ( 45:05.4) Marlins; 4. Sangeeta Maharaj (45:09.5) Stingray; 5. Chelsie Reddon (45:41.4) Marlins; 6 Briana Patterson (45:51.2)Tidal Wave; 7 Sajni Maharaj (45.55.3) Stingray; 8. Leslyn Alexander (46:01.7) Blue Dolphins; 9 Samantha Khan (46:13.7) Stingray; 10. Melina Marcano (46:22.9) Titans

Male: 1. Jabari Baptiste (36:43.1) Marlins; 2. David Wiltshire (38:56.6) Marlins; 3. Nicholas Mitchell (41:07.7) Stingray; 4. Christian Gillette (41:10.2) Marlins; 5 Jeron O’Brien (41:41.6) Tidal Wave; 6. Kyle Ferreira (42:08.2) Marlins; 7. Aaron Acres (42:09.3) Titans; 8. Keanu Otero (42:09.3) Blue Dolphins; 9 Akeem Roberts (43:24.7) Blue Dolphins; 10 Akheem Valentine (43:26.0) Royhill Seals

750m

Male Under-8: 1. Michael Mc Leod (15:25.6) Atlantis Aquatics; 2. Ross Gillette (15:39.3) Marlins;

3. Nikoli Blackman (17:57.9) Marlins

Female Under-10: 1. Sabrina David (12:46.3) Tidal Wave; 2. Jada Chai (13:39.8) Atlantic Aquatics; 3. Jada Chatoor (16:18.3) Marlins

Male Under-10: 1. Aqeel Joseph (13:07.3) Tidal Wave; 2. Jae-Hwa Lee Wing (13:12.2)Tidal Wave; 3. Aaron Bankay (14:04.3) Tidal Wave