Echavez rules Olango swim challenge

CEBU, Philippines -  Loren Dale Echavez reigned supreme in the 2014 Olango Challenge at the Crimson Resort and Spa in Lapu-Lapu City yesterday.

From being hesitant to join open water swimming at first, Echavez has become unbeatable after collecting her fourth straight title and fifth overall in the Olango Challenge.

Echavez representing Team RAFI finished the 6-kilometer open water swim in one hour, 20 minutes and 1.90 seconds. Cebu Blue Marlins made it a 2-3 finish with Trina Caneda posting 1:42:05 and Romylin Ignacio with her 1:48:05.

Another Cebu Blue Marlins swimmer Michael Ichiro Kong was unlucky as he finished first in the men’s action but was disqualified after he didn’t do the second turn.

The multi-titled swimmer, Kong tried to question the decision, but the technical committee stood by their decision on the marshal's claimed about his shortcut.

With that, defending champion Keith Ashley Ocampo retained his title with 1:29:08 clocking, while Alfred Rojo placed second with 1:31:02 as Lorenzo Abello (1:32:13) landed third place.

In the 2K class, Jebb Cane lorded over at the men’s side with a time of 30:17 against Aaron Grant Embuscado who placed second with 30:53. Simon Harvey came in third in 30:56.

For his part, Denis Marie Ong was the fastest in the women’s class with 32:51 clocking followed by Danielle Mae Ballesteros with 32:55 and Shane Allyne Pareja in third in 36:52.

The mixed 6K action saw Michael Flores beating seasoned swimmer Marlon Galo. Flores registered a time of 1:20:01 against the latter’s 1:32:52. Gerard Rusiana had a 1:42:36 clocking for third place.

Jenido Fariolen topped the 2K fun event with 31:19 as Dale Rennie (51:29) and Mario Marababol (1:00:40) finished second and third respectively.  (FREEMAN)