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Sports National
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
July 8-14, 2017
The 8th annual Turks & Caicos “Race for the Conch” Eco-SeaSwim had a lot of memorable moments. (Photo credit: Brilliant Studios)
Thrilling “Race for the Conch” Eco-SeaSwim in Grace Bay SWIMMERS in the 8th annual Turks & Caicos “Race for the Conch” Eco-SeaSwim on Saturday July 1, could not have asked for better conditions for the 2.4 mile (Ironman distance), 1 mile, and 1/2 mile events, as well as a 100 metre Children’s Swim. The calm, clear, turquoise water impressed veterans and ?rst time racers alike and con?rmed why the event has been called one of the world’s best open water races. Even Jojo added magic to the day with a brief appearance along the race course that stretched in front of Club Med, Rickie’s Flamingo Cafe (race start and ?nish), Ocean Club East, Tuscany, and Venetian to the Coral House. The top ?nishers faced tough competition to claim conch trophies made by local artists Standford
Hand?eld and Lucy Stubbs. In the 1 mile Men’s Division Ryker Rush from the US edged out top TCI swimmer Dan Redmond, while Alexandra Atkinson finished ?rst in the Women’s Division. In the 1/2 mile race, Amanda Abbot from the US, who came in 2nd last year, returned to take ?rst this time. TCI swimmer and swim coach Jessica Söderqvist, who had not swum competitively in three years, came in second. In the 1/2 mile Men’s Division, TCI swimmer Jack Parlee won by a commanding lead. Jack represented TCI at the CARIFTA Swim Meet in Nassau this past April. Diego Lopez, from the US, won the Men’s Division convincingly in the 2.4 miler, while the Women’s Division saw a thrilling ?nish between Beth Margalis and
Megan Kruth from the US. Both swimmers swam side by side the whole way—with, Beth coming out of the water just ahead of Megan. BRILLIANT FIGHTBACK In 2014, Megan, an Ironman triathlete and 17 time AllAmerican Collegiate swimmer from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania crashed her bike during training. She cracked her skull and su?ered traumatic brain injury. It was so severe that she could not swallow, talk, or walk. When she came out of her coma, she began a long process of recovery. Just last year she got back in the pool and started swimming again. On a friend’s suggestion, she decided to make the “Race for the Conch” her ?rst athletic comeback event and
brought with her family and friends to cheer her on. Co-Race Director Ben Stubenberg said, “Megan’s remarkable 2nd place ?nish in the 2.4 mile, as well as 3rd place ?nish in the 1 mile race just a half hour later, won the hearts of everyone on the beach that day. Truly life a?rming story of courage. A great honour to have her here.” Added CoDirector Chloe Zimmermann, “So inspiring! This is what the race is all about.” Proceeds from the charity event put on by Caicu Naniki Sports Adventures and Marco Travel go to the Provo Children’s Home, TCI Swim Federation learn-to-swim programmes, and TC Reef Fund. The organisers thank all of the wonderful volunteers and sponsors who made the event possible. They include: Royal West Indies (Race
Hotel), Grace Bay Club, AVIS, Colonial Insurance, Turks & Caicos Islands Tourist Board, Surfside Ocean Academy, Bay Bistro, Prestigious Properties, Graceway Supermarkets, Projetech, Finishing Touch, TCI Waste, Adventurescape, Big Blue, and Blue Loos. Also big thanks for strong support from Carolina Medical Centre, Grace Bay Medical Centre, Diversion Scuba, TCI Co?ee Roasters, artists Alizee Zimmermann, Carol Potter, DJ Viper, photographers from Brilliant Studios, drone videographer Agile LeVin, along with JJ Cocovibes and RAW Elements reef safe sunscreen for teaming on environmental sustainability. Next year’s “Race for the Conch” Eco-SeaSwim will be held on July 7, 2018. Race website: www. ecoseaswim.com