FIRST TIME WINNERS TAKE 24TH COCOS CROSSING

By Robert Balajadia

The 24th annual Cocos Crossing featured new winners in the 2.5 and 5 mile races , including a record breaking 5 mile time, as the event took over the Merizo Pier Sunday morning.

Japan’s Kaoru Yamanaka has never swam on Guam before and she broke in her new experience by setting a record time of 1:22:07 in the 5 mile race from the Merizo Peir to Cocos Island and back.

“The water was very beautiful and very clear and warm. It was very easy to swim in,” said Yamanaka through a translator.

Kaoru Yamanaka set a new record in the 5-mile race.

Yamanaka has been swimming since a young age so the challenge was barley a surprise to her.

Finishing first in the 2.5 mile race was Guam’s Tommy Imazu with an unofficial time of 45 minutes. Imazu is familiar with Guam’s waters having participated in the event five times while also swimming for the Manhoben Swim Club.

“My coaches have helped me a lot with technique and this event is more technique than it was conditioning, the waters our there were really good,” said Imazu.

Tommy Imazu grabbed his first ever first place finish in the 2.5 mile portion.

The 2.5 mile race started at Cocos Island where the swimmers made their way back to the pier.

Full results of all swimmers will be displayed as soon as provided.

PHOTO GALLERY

The Taitano family shows their support. (photo by Rock Anciano)

2.5 mile finishers John Paul Dierking, Annie Leon Guerrero and Dan O’Keeffe. (photo by Rock Anciano)

First place 5 mile finisher Koaru Yamanaka. (photo by Rock Anciano)

2.5 mile finisher Melissa Taitano (photo by Rock Anciano)

Dean Soriano poses after completing the 2.5 mile race. (photo by Rock Anciano)

The Atoigue family poses after completing the 2.5 mile race. (photo by Rock Anciano)