Littlepage looms large at Maracas

As was the buzz all along Maracas Beach prior to the start of the 2003 Hyundai Open Water Classic on Sunday, John-Stanley Littlepage did not disappoint as he swam to victory.

Littlepage took the crown left vacant by last year’s winner Nicholas Bovell. Young Bovell, brother of Pan Am triple medallist George Bovell III opted out of the race in preference to training for next year’s Olympic Games. The prompt 11 am start of the 3,000 metre aquatic chalenge on Sunday in the  choppy Maracas Bay waters saw Littlepage seize an early lead at the eastern end of the course which he retained till the end. He surfaced to loud cheers and  applause from an appreciative crowd in a time of 38 minutes 44 seconds. On his tail was the pair of Matthew Houllier and Sebastien Paddington who fought tooth and nail in the final sprint for second place. Houllier claimed that position, diving past the line in a time of 40.35, a mere second ahead of Carrington who returned a time of 40.36. The women’s event began ten minutes after the men and they made good time with the first of their bunch, Ayeisha Collymore coming in before some male swimmers. Melanie Charles followed a short while after and Zahra De Four made it into the third place to enthusiastic applause at the finish line.

Among the masters Amanda de la Rosa beat Ayana Gloudon into second while Sebastien Paddington was the first male to cross the line in the 25-29 age group. In the 30-34 age group for women, Eva Neemar finished ahead of Clare Morall while Andrew Kirby emerged the top male. Parandai Ramdait was the top 40-45 female followed by Wendy Ammon and Anna Clairon; Keith Rocke was king of the hill in the 35-39 category and Raul Viera was the top male in the 40-44 category. Barbadian swimmer Johnathan Morgan topped the men in the 45-49 group and Patricia de la Rosa was the top woman; Peter Gibbs also of Barbados took the 55-59 crown and Dana Pollard was the top 50-54 female; Gordon Ward topped the 65-69 group and Kenny Hosein took the 70-74 crown. Ikenna Ward, a 12-year-old put up a strong showing as he raced to top the juniors followed by the determined Christopher Buffong and Christian Homer.  Chloe Mc Millan was the first female junior out of the water and to the finish line with Nirmala Ramkhelawan and Alexandria Lewis in tow. Special awards were presented to Kimberlee John-Williams and Johnathan Fabio who competed in the 8 and Under age group and Christian Homer and Khadija Thornhill who were 9-10 competitors. The day was full of good, clean fun and competition and sponsors Hyundai should be commended for the level of professionalism with which they guided the day’s proceedings.

Following are the top ten finishers in the 3,000 metre swim:
8 & Under: Male— Johnathan Fabio, Female— Kimberlee John Williams.
9-10: Male— Christian Homer, Female— Khadija Thornhill.
Under-13 Male— 1. Ikenna Ward, 2.Christopher Buffong, 3.Christian Homer.
Under-13 Female— 1.Chloe Mc Millan, 2.Nirmala Ramkhelawan, 3.Alexandria Lewis.
Open Male: 1.John-Stanley Littlepage, 2.Matthew Houllier, 3.Sebastien Paddington, 4.Orlando Thom, 5.Kyle Affoon, 6.Joel Sankar, 7.Stuart Gillette, 8.Christian Flook, Joseph Ryan and 10. Anthony Schamber.
Open Female: 1.Ayeisha Collymore, 2.Melanie Charles, 3.Zahra De Four, 4.Chantal Redon, 5.Donna-Marie Wickham, 6.Odessia Charran, 7.Megan Charles, 8.Sharntelle Mc Lean, 9.Amanda de la Rosa and 10.Clare Morall.
Masters:
35-39: Male— Keith Rocke, Female— Amanda de la Rosa.
40-44: Male— Raul Viera, Female— Clare Morall.
45-49: Male— Johnathan Morgan, Female— Jacqueline Jodhan.
50-54: Male— Geoffrey Ferreira, Female— Parandai Ramchait.
55-59: Male— Peter Gibbs, Female— Patricia de la Rosa.
65-69: Male— Gordon Borde, Female— Donna Pollard.
70-74: Male— Kenny Hosein, Female— Doyle Swan.