TIBURON, Calif., Oct. 3. THE Third Annual RCP Tiburon Mile Open Water Swim, scheduled for Saturday, October 6, will feature the greatest cast of international open water swimmers in history, according to meet organizer and director, Robert Placak.<\/p>\n
Set against one of the most beautiful panoramic views in the world, the Golden Gate Bridge and the city of San Francisco, 700 swimmers between the ages of 13 and 80 will swim one nautical mile and, at the same time raise money for Special Olympics. The elite swimmers will vy for a share of $30,000 in prize money.<\/p>\n
The Course<\/b>
\nThe swim will begin at 9:00 a.m. on the beach at Ayala Cove on the peaceful shore of Angel Island. Swimmers will head toward downtown Tiburon and the docks of Sam's Anchor Cafe. <\/p>\n
Spectators can watch the race from the Tiburon Waterfront Park or board the spectator boat and watch from the water. Boarding of the "McCovey Cove Patrol" at the Angel Island Tiburon Ferry dock in Tiburon will begin at 8:00 a.m. The $5.00 boarding fee is being donated to Special Olympics.<\/p>\n
The Contestants<\/b>
\nCompetition this year will be staggering as the world's best pool swimmers compete against the world's best open water swimmers. Confirmed elite athletes will include US national team members and World and Olympic champions from Russia, Germany, Peru, The Netherlands and South Africa.<\/p>\n
Returning to defend their titles and compete are Brooke Bennett, 1996 and 2000 Olympic gold medalist, and South African Olympian Ryk Neethling.<\/p>\n
Also competing will be the world's best open water female swimmer, double world champion Edith Van Dyk from the Netherlands; Mark Leonard, 2000 USA Open Water Swimmer of the Year; the Russian duo that finished one-two at the World Championships, Evhueni Bezroutchenko and Viktor Bikinejev.<\/p>\n
Among the top swimmers, only Grant Hackett of Australia and Kalyn Keller, USA, have dropped out of therace due to the terrorist threat. Hackett, the Olympic champion in the 1500, set a world record of 14:34 in that event in July. Keller, 16, was the only American to win a medal at last year's Open Water World Champs in Honolulu, winning silver in the 5K. SAhe also won the 800 at the USA Swimming Nationals in Clovis last August.<\/p>\n
Other aquatic aces entered in the race include Chris Thompson, American record holder in the 1500 meters; Suzanne Heim-Bowen, Masters multi world record-holder in the 40-44 age group; Dawn Heckman, a member of the 2000 US Open Water National Team; and Lauren Costello, 16, national champion in the 1500 meters.<\/p>\n
Also competing will be John Flanagan, winner of the recent Hawaii Open Water swim, and Amanda Beard, Olympic medalist in 1996 and 2000.<\/p>\n
Many local swim clubs will be in the water as well, including the Stanford and US Berkeley teams, local Masters, age-groupers and triathletes.<\/p>\n
Esther williams, Olympian and MGM movie star, will be on hand to present awards. Olympic stars Dara Torres and John Naber will provide television commentary.<\/p>\n
Tomorrow there will be an all-star swim clinic, which is open to the public. Hosted by two-time Olympic team captain Josh Davis, this is an opportunity to learn from the best. Among the clinicians scheduled to appear are Brooke bennett, Mark Leonard, John Flanagan, Chris Thompson and Amanda Beard. Stroke analysis will be provided,<\/p>\n
For last-minute entries, reserve space or get more info, call the Race Hotline: 415-721-9990 or visit www.rcptiburonmile.com<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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