Lexie Kelly, one of the foreign competitors from 9 nations (Taiwan, Australia, China, Korea, USA, Sweden, Germany, United Kingdom, Japan) won the women’s 3 km title at the International Masters Open Water Swim hosted by the Japan International Open Water Swimming Association – and then teamed up with a local All-Star team to win the overall team relay competition.
Held in the beautiful Yumigahama Beach on the Izu National Park Peninsula in Shizuoka, the Long Beach swimmer took it out with the top men and held on for her second straight title in the masters competition.
“I saw so many fish and the water here is so beautiful. Everywhere we go to here in Yumigahama, the people are so friendly. We had a great welcome dinner and then experienced a fun local festival with dancers, performers and fireworks.
At the competition, we were entertained by Brazilian samba dancers right on the beach. At the end of the event, everyone got into it and had a great time. I remember everyone from last year and this year was even better with so many passionate open water swimmers.
But the color of the water and the hospitality of the local hosts are really something I will always cherish.”
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