HONOLULU — Swim Kauai Aquatics had just three swimmers competing at the Hawaiian Senior Championships on Oahu.
“This was a small, but mighty crew of Tyler Tanaka, 15, Kamaira Silva, 14, and Chloe Inouye, 12,” said SKA coach Curt Colby. “Being that you have to be 12 years old to participate, this was Chloe’s first time at this event, and she proved herself determined and ready, as she swam against collegiate swimmers from the University of Hawaii, swimmers from the mainland, as well as Olympic swimmers from the island of Palau, who were coached by former SKA coach Billy Brown.”
Inouye’s determination placed her in the top 16 in the 100 breaststroke and the 400 freestyle events.
“Chloe had four out of five best times, and competed impressively against the seasoned swimmers, despite being one of the youngest swimmers at the meet,” Colby said.
Inouye’s best time in the 100 breaststroke stopped the clocks at 1 minute, 21.22 seconds. She also posted a 4:54.72 in the 400 freestyle.
Silva finished the event with three best times of six events she swam in.
“Kamaira’s stand out races included the 1,500 freestyle where she dropped 33 seconds and finished sixth,” Colby said. “She touched the wall at 19:12.11 in that swim. She also dropped below 29 seconds in the 50 freestyle where she clocked a 28.82 for the first time.”
Tanaka, the most senior of the three SKA swimmers, finished with a perfect meet, showing improvements in the six events he participated in.
“To earn a perfect meet, a swimmer needs to have time improvements in all entered events,” Colby said. “It is quite an accomplishment, especially during the pressure of competitions at events like this Hawaiian Senior Champs. Tyler had two sixth place finishes — the 200 breaststroke (2:35.30), and the 1,500 freestyle (17:59.03). He is a man on the move.”
The three SKA swimmers will be among the SKA group competing in the Hawaiian Age Group State Championships that takes place July 18 through 21 on Maui.
“It is so inspiring for myself as a coach to watch our swimmers work hard, and in return, have these great results,” Colby said.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
