Stefan Sharpe (shown on left) and Theana Hay won the inaugural Maracas Open Water Classic 5K swim in Trinidad & Tobago this past weekend – and may be making more impressions on the international circuit for years to come.

The 17-year-old Stefan led from start to finish in the relatively calm waters of Maracas Bay, completing the two-loop course in 1:08:58. Jonathan Gillette (1:10:53) and Blaine Sobrian (1:13:43) followed.

The emerging 14-year-old Theana Hay won the women’s race in 1:18:15, placing seventh overall, with Renee Chin Lee (1:32:03) and Jodi Gomez (1:34:44) following in second and third.

The Honourable Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Anil Roberts was in attendance and congratulated the organizers and participants for their enthusiasm and organization. Minister Roberts pledged his continued support of the sport and talked about the new National Aquatic Centre to be opened within two years.

135 athletes completed the 2.6K course while 22 athletes the 5K course and 94 children completed the 750-meter course – a great indicator of a bright future for swimming in Trinidad & Tobago. Complete results are posted at Odessey Timing

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