Swimmers from Big Island reign victorious at the initial event of the Triple Crown in Henderson
Sea lovers and swimming enthusiasts flocked to Anaeho'omalu Bay for a thrilling event this past weekend - the Anaeho'omalu Splash, one of the three open water races in the Triple Crown Swim Race Series.
With 230 courageous swimmers deciding to ditch their pool routines, the ocean offered the perfect stage for the first leg of the prestigious race series. Hosted by the Kona Aquatics Club, the Triple Crown Series also includes the Hapuna Rough Water Swim on June 7 and the Kamakahonu Swim on July 5. The champion of the series is determined by the swimmer with the fastest combined time across all three races, earning them the title of Triple Crown Champion.
After preparing with a smile, Race Director and Kona Aquatics Club head coach, Dave Gibson, declared the conditions for the event were near perfect, with no noticeable waves or ripples on the ocean surface. Gibson also shared his confidence in three male swimmers and two females that could make the podium, including Zane Imonen, Ethan Ng, Kelan Kennedy, Kinsey Oka, and Merica Miller.
With high hopes and nervous excitement, the race began, and a fierce battle for the top three podium spots unfolded. As expected, Imonen, Ng, and Kennedy were at the forefront, swimming stroke for stroke in an intense display of endurance and determination. The difference between first and second place came down to the final sprint up the beach, with Imonen edging out Ng to snatch victory and a time of 21 minutes and 30 seconds. Ng and Kennedy secured second and third with the same finishing time of 21:31.
Imonen's victory was particularly sweet, as he now holds the Anaeho'omalu title and successfully bested his father, BrentImonen, a former professional triathlete and current Kona Marathon race director, who completed the swim in 23:34.
In the women's division, it was a heartwarming victory for Noelani Vargas. Not only did she finish first in a great time of 23:05, but she also hurried off to her wedding ceremony later that afternoon. Vargas said she relied on drafting with the younger swimmers from Kona Aquatics to help her win. Second and third place in the women's contest went to Merica Miller and Morgan Kearney, with times of 23:12 and 23:27 respectively. Unfortunately, the defending women's Triple Crown champion, Kiliheamaikalani "Kinsey" Oka, had to withdraw mid-course due to a shoulder injury.
With the Anaeho'omalu Splash now behind us, competitors are already looking forward to the next challenge on June 7 - the Hapuna Rough Water Swim. As Gibson put it, the series is about both fast swimming and fun, excitedly anticipating what the future races have in store.
Swimmers, eager to showcase their skills, attempted the first race of the Triple Crown Swim Race Series, the Anaeho'omalu Splash. Zane Imonen, one of the anticipated contenders, managed to edge out Ethan Ng to win the title of Triple Crown Champion, setting his sights on the Hapuna Rough Water Swim on June 7. In the women's division, Noelani Vargas, despite a mid-race wedding, clinched the victory, with Merica Miller and Morgan Kearney taking second and third respectively.
