National swimmer Brandon Boon (right) clinched the individual men’s title in 16 minutes and 43 seconds, while Chan Ching-man of Hong Kong clocked 17 minutes and 16 seconds to clinch the individual women’s title at the New World Harbour Race 2014. (Photo 1 courtesy of Brandon Boon)
Hong Kong, October 12, 2014 — National swimmer Brandon Boon clocked a timing of 16 minutes and 43 seconds to clinch the individual men’s title in the New World Harbour Race 2014.
The New World Harbour Race, which was organised by the Hong Kong Amateur Swimming Association (HKASA), attracted 1,915 participants from all walks of life, with the oldest participant at 72 years of age and the youngest at 12 years of age. The participants competed in a 1,500 metre swim from Sam Ka Tsuen Public Pier to Quarry Bay Park Public Pier.
The individual women’s title went to Hong Kong’s Chan Ching-man, who clocked a timing of 17 minutes and 16 seconds.
Red Sports caught up with the Singapore Sports School alumnus to find out more about the race.
How did you find out about, and how did you register for the race?
Brandon: I found out about the race through my ex-coach, Eugene Chia, as the Hong Kong Amateur Swimming Association had sent an email invitation to the Singapore Swimming Association and he informed me subsequently. I managed to register through the website.
Were you the only Singaporean swimmer?
Brandon: Yes, I was the only Singaporean competing in the International category.
How did you feel about clinching the individual men’s title over hundreds of other participants?
Brandon: I was overjoyed when I found out I got 1st place in my category and all the more happier as the time I clocked (16 minutes and 43 seconds) was quite close to my pool personal best time (16 minutes and 19 seconds).
Was it your first time competing in a race abroad?
Brandon: No it wasn’t. I have competed overseas many times but this was the first time I competed in this competition.
Was it your first time competing in a race of such nature (i.e. swimming in open waters as compared to swimming in a competitive pool)? If yes, what was the difference?
Brandon: No it wasn’t my first time. I first took part in Open Water Swimming when I was 14 years old competing in the FINA 10K Marathon Swimming World Cup held here in Singapore in 2008. I took part with another Singaporean swimmer and competed against many other elite international swimmers. My most notable performance was when I won a bronze medal in the 5k Men’s Open Water Swimming event during the 26th SEA Games in Indonesia in 2011.
Tell us about the experience competing in Hong Kong’s waters.
Brandon: Overall, I think that the conditions were rather good as the water temperature was quite cool, although the waves were a little rough.
Red Sports would like to congratulate Brandon Boon on his feat at the New World Harbour Race 2014, and we wish him all the best for preparations for the upcoming 2015 SEA Games.
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