The 8th Barbados Open Water Festival kicked off Nov 6 with about 150 swimmers at practice swims at various venues. The races and charity swim started Nov 9 with the 1.5K race. The first race day was overcast with thick black clouds looming and news of a severe thunderstorm only 20 miles away in the north of the island. Luckily at Carlisle Bay the race continued albeit through a torrential downpour which began as soon as the horn sounded for the start of the race. Thunder was audible in the distance as the three hundred and ninety five swimmers crossed the finish line. The following day the sun came out and an absolutely gorgeous day ensued with excellent conditions for the three hundred plus swimmers in the three Sunday races (3.3K, 5K, 10K).
In addition to Horner attending, a large group of young competitive open water swimmers hailing from all over Canada, led by Mark Perry, Canadian National Open Water Coach, were present at the Festival. Days ahead of the event the talented young swimmers could be seen training at the local Aquatic Centre and in the magnificent Bay, their red and white Canadian swim caps always highly visible. The Perry group had many successes in the races entered (1.5, 5 &10K races): Eric Brown won the 1.5K, Catherine Minic the 5K and Drew Edwards was the winner of the 10K marathon swim. Several others from the group earned second and third place finishes. Ashley Hogg of the UK was able to break through the Canadian domination in the Men’s 5K and grab that title from the Canadian group.
Barbados was well represented in all of the races with a one-two finish in the 3.3K and several age group placings in all races. Adara Stoddard and Toni Walrond of Barbados brought it home with first and second place finishes in the 3.3K. Canadian Zack Hebert-Jarema was the male winner in that race.
The 2020 Barbados Open Water Festival is scheduled for November 4-8. Enter now!
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https://swimswam.com/three-time-olympian-steph-horner-wins-double-at-barbados-open-water-festival/