Fastest Kaua‘i swimmer to be determined on Saturday

So who’s the fastest swimmer on Kaua‘i?

Find out Saturday when the Second Annual Kahu Kai Fastest Swimmer competition kicks off at Kaua‘i High School’s pool at 9 a.m.

“This is the true fastest swimmer on Kaua‘i,” event organizer Orlando Anaya said. “It is the only measure.”

The fastest swimmer competition, which attracted 16 of Kaua‘i’s top swimmers last year, runs in conjunction with Mokihana Aquatics’ annual Fun Meet.

“Keenan Anaya, last year’s winner, will not be competing this year due to school obligations. But other swimmers are ready.

“Kelsey Tanaka is getting all pumped up,” Anaya said. “He’s a sprinter. Eugene Ancheta is excited. He comes and practices with us.”

Last year, Michael Maddock took second and Ancheta finished in third place.

“I’ve got about a dozen calls so far,” Anaya said. “Lots of people from the Mainland have called.”

The contest is only open to Kaua‘i residents, with $250 going to the winner, $150 for second and $100 for third.

“Last year, I only took one or two calls and 16 showed up,” Anaya said. “If we get 16 again this year, I’ll be stoked. If we get more than 16, that would be even better.”

Anaya said he expects Tanaka and Ancheta to go far.

“I would be surprised if they aren’t in the final three,” he said.

Almost 200 swimmers are slated to take part in the Fun Meet, which features Olympic swimmer Chris Woo, who hails from O‘ahu. Woo helped the 1976 U.S. Olympic relay team to the individual medley title.

The Fun Meet is a fundraiser for Mokihana Aquatics. It serves as a chance for swim clubs across the state to get together, have fun and enjoy the competition.

Annually, the largest apple and orange bob takes place at Kaua‘i High School’s pool at the end of the two-day event.

To register for the competition, call Orlando Anaya at 821-0587.

• Duane Shimogawa Jr., sports editor, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 257) or kauaisports@kauaipubco.com.