As the Birkirkara St. Joseph Open Water Swimming Championships drew to a close with the final race of the series, Dylan Cachia and Sarah Demicoli were crowned champions once again.
The Open Water Swimming Championships, which consisted of five 2Km races and one 4km race held in Salina Bay, were organised by Birkirkara St. Joseph Sports Club and held under the auspices of the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta. The final classification was based on the best time of four 2k races and the 4km race. The Championships also served as qualifying swims for swimmers wanting to take part in the annual (Malta)-Gozo-Malta swim.
The Championships were once again very well attended attracting an average of 100 swimmers each time. The opening race, held in the Valletta Grand Harbour as part of the Valletta 2018 celebrations was a befitting season opener. The Club was pleased to welcome a number of young triathletes from Gozo who attended regularly.
Dylan Cachia, who has retained his crown for the past three years, expressed his satisfaction of having had a good open water season which saw him register some personal bests. Cachia explained that this year his focus was shorter distance training in the pool rather than long open water distances, however still enjoyed the challenge of these races. Tagging behind Cachia was young Andre Camilleri, who moved away from triathlon to focus on Open Water Swimming. Camilleri was three minutes and forty-one seconds away from Cachia in the general classification. Third overall was Andrew Sultana.
Sarah Demicoli has become undisputed queen of local open water swimming having won the championship races since she started competing in them back in 2014. Demicoli, who also registered a strong performance at the 10k race in the recently held European Junior Open Water Swimming Championships is now setting her sights on high level competitions such as the European and World Championships, the English Channel in 2020 and possibly the Olympics. On this year's season, Demicoli explained that sea conditions were not the easiest and competition is increasing - nevertheless it makes it more exciting and has enjoyed the experience. Maya Schembri Rodgers and Leah Satariano completed the podium. Schembri Rodgers continuing her good form, whilst Leah Satariano made a return to the races, and winners' podium after a year's absence.
Birkirkara St. Joseph Sports Club also announced that Festina Watches will be the main sponsors of this year's edition of the (Malta)-Gozo-Malta Open Water Swimming Competition 2018. The Race will also be supported by Leap Nutrition.
All swimmers who qualified for this event are to submit their applications to the Club by not later than Saturday 11th August. An obligatory meeting for swimmers will take place on Tuesday 21st August at 7pm at the Mosta Local Council.
For more information on the Festina Malta - Gozo - Malta and Festina Gozo - Malta swim please visit www.bkarastjoseph.com