Camilleri, Demicoli crowned open water swimming champions

Andre Camilleri and Sarah Demicoli emerged overall winners of the Garmin BSJ Open Water Swimming Championships as the last race, consisting of a four-kilometre swim, took place in Salina Bay.

Their victory came as no surprise as both swimmers consistently formed part of the front running group throughout the whole championship.

This is Camilleri’s first overall title. He won the Under14 title in 2015 and has come a long way. For Demicoli, this is her sixth title. Her skill was evident having always been one of the top five overall finishers – with the last three races exiting the water second behind Camilleri.

The last race of the Championship also served as a qualifier for those swimmers intending to take part in the forthcoming channel swimming competitions.   

Apart from the longer distance that required to be covered, swimmers had to contend with tough currents making the final race even more challenging.

Andre Camilleri and Sarah Demicoli claimed top spots and were the first two athletes out of the water, mirroring the positions achieved in the last three races.

In the males’ category, Stefano Debono Grech finished in second place, followed by the young Luca Vella.

The females’ category saw Kelsey Borg finish in second place, whilst Martina Micallef pipped Leah Satariano to third place.

With top billing going to Camilleri and Demicoli, the race was on for the second and third places. These were taken up by Stefano Debono Grech and Luca Vella. Both swimmers have been consistent in their performances and should be pleased to know that both registered improved timings from the same race last year. 

The females’ category saw newcomers Kelsey Borg and Martina Micallef etch their names on the second and third places.  Micallef faced a challenge from Leah Satariano but in the end Micallef pipped her to third place.

Wednesday’s race also saw the Age Group winners being announced and given their trophies.  Due to the Covid-19 restrictions in place no podium presentations took place. 

“These are particularly challenging times.  It is not easy to keep the balance required to ensure that all safety regulations are met with, whilst giving athletes a good race experience. Thankfully athletes co-operated fully throughout, and the lack of a podium presentation for the winners was a small compromise they were all happy to take as long as they were able to race” said Euchar Camilleri, Secretary General, Birkirkara St Joseph Sports Club.

Birkirkara St. Joseph Sports Club is grateful to official sponsors Garmin Malta, represented by Medcomms Ltd, for their long-term support towards the Club. The Club expressed its thanks to proteinmalta.com for their support.