Theana Hay of Centre of Excellence Sea Hawks is expected to face a fierce challenge to her title when the annual Amateur Swimming Association of T&T Maracas Open Water Classic splahes off at Maracas Bay tomorrow from 10 am. However, Hay will not have it all her way as national standout, US-based Samantha Rahael of Marlins' returns home to compete in her first Maracas 5k. Rahael previously won the women's 2500m race twice and along with last year's runners up Renee Chin Lee of Marlins and Jodi Gomez of TT Aquatics, will provide Hay's main challenge. On the men's side, a new champion will be crowned in the 5K as last year's winner Stefan Sharpe of Marlins is in the USA pursuing studies at La Salle University.
Among the contenders are last year's first runner up Jonathan Gillette, and 3rd place winner Blaine Sobrian, both of Marlins. Overall, more than 300 athletes are expected to compete as at the close of the pre-registration period, 265 athletes had already pre-registered for the race which has been ranked in the Top 100 of over 3000 open water swims held annually. This represents an increase over last year's total of 251. The total is expected to reach 300 as registration is open until one hour before each race. There will be three races on the day, with the main attraction being the 5000m swim. This race was introduced last year to align with international standards as the 5K is the shortest recognised distance in world open water swimming.
The 5000m race will run concurrently with a 2650m race in which a new men's champion is expected to be crowned as well as Joshua Romany has opted out this year following his hectic schedule of meets since July. Last year's runner-up Dylan Carter and third placed finisher, Jabari Baptiste have not registered to date while 2010 fifth place finisher Jivan Chee Foon is the highest ranked 2010 athlete registered. Sangeeta Maharaj of Stingray will seek to defend her 2650m and faces last year's runners up Rochelle Pierre (UTT) and Syriah David (Tidal Wave Aquatics). New winners will also be declared in the 12 and Under 750m men's race as the 2010 winner is age ineligible.
Christian Marsden of Marlins and Kael Yorke of Tidal Wave placed fourth, and fifth respectively and should be among the main contenders this year. On the women's side, Shania David of Tidal Wave will seek to defend her title with Jewel Mulrain of Torpedoes as her main rival. Several masters athletes will also be competing for various age group prizes including Gordon Borde who is the chairman of the organising committee, who has participated in the most open water races.
Other masters competitors this year are last year's age-group winners' Naji Ferguson, Richard Knaggs, Richard Borde, Glen Wilkes, Alex Smailes, Linden Scott and Victoria Hobday. The first race tomorrow will be the 750m race for swimmers 12 and under from 10 am. Registration for this race closes at 9 am and costs $100. The 2650m and 5000m race starts at 11am with registration closing at 10 am and registration now $150.
