Successful 4th Bali Ocean Swim
The 2013 has been swum, won and enjoyed. And the Bali Ocean Swim can perhaps claim a world record – a 55 year old South Korean national swam the 10 km swim by butterfly in under 4 hours (3:54:20) !
Placegetters of the men’s 10km from left to right Silver-Kingsley Bulgarin,Gold-Manfred Mahlre and Bronze-Komang Kariana
We thank all competitors who travel from near, Kuta, and as far away as Europe, Italy, and our volunteers, and the Kuta Beach Balawista (life guards) and our medical sponsor, BIMC – who ensured all swimmers were professionally cared for and safe and to Bali Garden Hotel and Boardwalk Restuarant who provided the venue for the start and finish..
Special mention to 7 ladies from Japan who just arrived in Bali having just swum in Guam (including at 73 ,the oldest swimmer in the field). Their good natured competiveness, smiles and comradeship embodied everything that ocean and open water swimming stands for.
And remember all proceeds support the BSF Asia’s (BSF) disabled water safety and swimming program for local children and youth.
Thank you to all who have contributed. This year we saw a 30% increase in the number of swimmers, and swimmers from new countries, including India, Brunei and a Hungarian born swimmer. We would like to especially thank Oceanswims.com and H20 Magazine for their support in promoting our swim and BSF disabled water safety and swimming program.
Results and photographs we will added to the website soon. Results were published at the venue, and medals were awarded (special thanks to Vicki Spencer, a BSF trustee who ‘lugged’ over 38 kilograms of medals to Bali. Vicki was also instrumental to BSF in establishing the Bali ocean swim).
We look forward to seeing you at Kuta Beach in 2014 for the 5th Bali ocean swim – the date for that swim will be announced soon.
Picture
CONGRATULATIONS to the winner of the Bali Ocean Swim 10 km, Manfred Mahrle, from Austria in a time of 2 hours,30 minutes and 15 seconds. He also proved that 13 is not such an unlucky number. Second, and the first female was Jenny Whiteley from Australia. In equal third overall was former Australia Paralympian Kingsley Burgarin. Kingsley is also a Bali Paragames Ambassador and is staying on with BSF for the Bali Paragames.
Swimmers in the 10 km swim consistently commented that while the conditions for a fast time looked good from the start line, all said the last 2.3 km leg was against a chop and wind that made for very challenging swimming.
BSF Board member, Vicki Spencer, commented:
“To all the competitors who entered the 4th Bali Ocean Swim, coming from many countries including South Korea, India, Japan, UK, Netherlands, Australia, US, Singapore, China, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia a huge congratulations for finishing the event fighting strong currents and conditions. From 9 years to 73 years young, you are all an inspiration in your own right! Thank you for coming and supporting our event and, even more importantly, the swim and water safety programs for children with disabilities run by BSF Asia would not be possible without you! See you next year!”
More photos on