By Daniel Haynes

THE Dorado Swim Club will see three swimmers compete in the Subway Maracas Open Water Classic tomorrow in Maracas, Trinidad and Tobago (TT).The swimmers, Daniel Scott (16), Alex Winter (15) and Soroya Simmons (20) are entering the competition on the heels of the trio taking all the medal positions in the Sawai Bartica to Riversview Open Water Swim last Sunday. The day saw Scott finish first, Simmons second and Alex third.
Tomorrow both Winter and Scott will have their first attempt at swimming in such an event in sea conditions in the men’s 2,650m event. Simmons who placed third last year in the 2,650m swim, will try the 5k.
Chronicle Sport was able to speak with the three athletes and one of their coaches, Stephanie Fraser, at the National Aquatic Centre after a training session.
All three athletes were in high spirits and brimming with confidence ahead of the event.
According to Scott, “This is my first open water swim at this level and I’m a bit nervous but I’m confident that I’ll be able to handle myself.” The St Stanislaus Lower 6 student who is pursuing Science at the institution is hoping to return with a personal best of under 58.02s and a medal.
Winter, also a St Stanislaus student in the Fourth Form Science stream is looking to secure his personal best and hopefully get a medal. “I’ve never done anything like this before and I’m both nervous and confident at the same time.”
“I competed in the swim last year and finished third overall in the women’s open category, but this year I’m doing a longer distance and I’m hoping to do my very best,” said Simmons.“
The swimmers are carrying the expectations of their coaches and were given a vote of confidence by coach Fraser.
“Alex is a well-rounded swimmer capable of swimming both in the pool and open water, and Daniel is built for swimming in open water and we’re expecting both boys to do well despite it being their first time,” stated Fraser.
She also added, “Soroya is experienced in this course since she swam it last year and we know she’ll do even better this year.”
“Guyana has never had representation in long course swimming at the Olympics and that is Soroya’s goal.”
The team departs today for Trinidad and Tobago and will return on Monday, hopefully, with medals and personal bests.