The Caymanian Compass - Friday, March 31st, 2000
Balderamos Bags Another Victory
The Cable & Wireless 800 metre sea swim on Saturday attracted 115 swimmers and produced a record-breaking performance by 16 year-old William Balderamos.
Last year in the Cable & Wireless Half Mile Sea Swim, Balderamos set a new record of 10.33 then, this Saturday he smashed the record setting a net time of 9.45 followed by Kaitlyn Elphinstone (9.56) and Tina Abbott 10.23. It should be noted though that the present course is some 40 feet shorter than last year's half-mile course.
In fact, the 9-16 age members of the Stingray Swim Club had commanding leads over veteran swimmers all placing in the top ten.
Young Andrew Mackay placing fifth overall completed the 800-metre course utilising the butterfly stroke the entire distance. Finishing in sixth place overall was Landon Von Kanel so perhaps young Balderamons will not have the run of the sea swims this year like he enjoyed in 1999. But then again this young mans focus seems to be on a steady course of first place finishes.
Kudos should go out to Briana and Kody Bergstorm, Tyler Thompson and Harrison Foster in the under eight age group who all showed courage and character. "Each race I go out there to win. If I am unsure of where I might finish I will not do as well as I might want. I train hard to win," said Balderamos.
Albert Anderson, engineering manager for Cable & Wireless, said, "I am very impressed with the number of young swimmers that took place in this swim. It is a testament to the Cayman Islands Amateur Swim Association as it shows that this sport is growing."