Vega, Dacera keep titles in 2nd Olango Challenge

CEBU, Philippines - Paula Abigail Vega and Nikita Dacera successfully defended their respective titles in the 2nd Olango Open Water Challenge.

Despite some obstacles including rough waters and some jellyfish that almost hindered her title retention bid, the 16-year-old Vega of the University of Cebu and Blue Marlins Swim Club managed to live up to expectations by clocking in one hour, 56 minures and 21.38 seconds to rule the women's division.

Karen Angela Tiambeng of Manila placed second with the time of 2:33:06.56, while Loveleinell Casidsid wound up third in 2:52:12.63.

Kaitlin Danielle Capacio, Vega’s teammate at the CBM who was the youngest competitor in the distaff side, landed at a decent fourth spot in 3:15:50.02.

In the men's open division, it was a 1-2-3 finish for national swimmers led by Dacera, who completed the six-kilometer course from the Pacific Cebu Resort to Tambuli Beach Resort in one hour, 11 minutes and two seconds.

Kiefer Ticao came out second in 1:15:26.97 followed by Emmanuelle Plasabas with one hour and 27 minutes clocking.

Michael David Vega was fourth in 1:29:32.55, while well-known businessman and swimming enthusiasts Wilfred Steven Uytengsu left the rest in total awe by finishing fifth alongside Guy Concepcion with identical time of 1:32:20.67.

Former top triathlete Noy Jopson could only make it to sixth spot this time with 1:34:2.91, while Loi Rafols was eighth in 1:37:49.21. The ninth and 10th spots were taken away by Anthony Welsh and Aaron Florentino with 1:56:21.32 and 2:05:22.16, respectively.

The men’s fun division saw Dale Rennie on top of the heap with 2:21:21.95. Paul Kiener came out second with 2:39:56.33 and Joanes Sy third with 2:40:51.01.

Ira Kiener, one of the country’s best jetski riders, made his presence felt by finishing fourth in 2:41:59.48.

Rounding up the top 10 were Alain Sanchez, event organizer Antonio Aboitiz, John Kiener, Jim Aboitiz, Philippine Amateur Swimming Association (PASA) president Mark Joseph and Edward Ian Gonzaga.

Proceeds of the event will be donated for the construction of more classrooms in Olango Island. – Caecent No-ot Magsumbol (THE FREEMAN)