Bell Buoy Challenge champions Rok Kerin and Dominique Dryding powered to their second victory at the Izani Siqubhe Swim during the Nelson Mandela Bay Splash Festival. today.

Race director Michael Zoetmulder not only rolled out the red carpet for the elite swimmers, but also prepared for the future with a focus on young swimmers with an interest but little experience in the open water. “The 1K sprint at Hobie Beach in Port Elizabeth also showcased the Masakhane Future Stars development swimmers who participated while rubbing shoulders with the best in the business.”

Rok won in 13:43 followed by Abdul Malick Railoun in 14:24 and Chris van de Sande in 14:28. Rok said, “I found the shorter race even tougher than yesterday’s 8K race because I’m not used to going so fast from the start.”

But he opened up a lead and was able to cruise to victory while his Cape Town counterpart Dominique won the women’s side in 14:57.

Dominique who finished ahead of Jessica Roux (15:59) and Tarryn Els (17:24) commented on the smoother conditions, “I felt a little tired as conditions had been slightly choppy but that compared to yesterday, anything would seem perfect.”

In the development category, 16-year old Mkhululi Heka won in 24:32 with 15-year-olds Xhanti Fulani and Qhamani Moni finishing second (26:09) and third (26:29) respectively.

Heka said, “The race was nice but hard. Because of pools were closed to water restrictions, I had only been able to prepare with regular sessions on the stationary bike and treadmill in the gym.”

True to the excitement typical of races in Port Elizabeth, Rok observed, “It’s always better to have more than one race and the shorter swims take place closer to shore, so it’s good for spectators too.

I am signed up for tomorrow’s King of the Bay elimination swim. It should definitely be fun.”

Photos by Richard Huggard, Snapz.

Copyright © 2011 by Open Water Source