Dylan Cachia, Amy Micallef win season opener at Open Water Swimming Championship

Dylan Cachia and Amy Micallef led the way in their respective categories last week during the first event hosted by Birkirkara St Joseph Sports Club Garmin Open Water Swimming Championships.

Whilst the sea conditions at Exiles, Sliema were not optimal, with currents and jellyfish hampering the swimmers, the event welcomed a good number of swimmers, some of whom were making their debut in the sport.  

Dylan Cachia, winner of last year’s BSJ Open Water Swimming Championships and multiple medallist at the recently held Games of the Small States of Europe, took a comfortable lead ahead of the rest, leading the way throughout the 2km course.   

Following in second place was Luca Vella, who is no stranger to these championships. Close behind Vella was the young Sam Camilleri, making his debut on the scene finished in third place. 

In the females’ category, last year’s championship winner Martina Micallef had to contend with experienced swimmer Amy Micallef who took the lead to win the race ahead of Micallef.  In third place was Kamilla Boross.

Presenting medals to the top three male and female winners were Aquatic Sports Association president Karl Izzo and Mark Gaglione, representing sponsors Garmin Malta. 

“The choice of today’s location was based on swimmers’ feedback who expressed their desire to race in different venues,” said Euchar Camilleri, Birkirkara SJ general secretary.

“Whilst this makes it more challenging from a logistical perspective, we felt that in doing so it would be a more interesting championship experience.”

Camilleri concluded by thanking Garmin Malta for their ongoing support, Exiles Waterpolo Club for giving access to the venue and the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta.

The club will be hosting the second race of the Championships on July 5, with the venue to be confirmed shortly.