Even before they stepped into the cold, each swimmer was aware of just how unwelcoming the frigid waters of San Francisco Bay’s Angel Island could be. This past Sunday, the Cal men’s swim team experienced this harsh weather firsthand as it participated in the 14 Annual Tiburon Mile, the most competitive open-water swim event in the world.
The ultimate challenge for open-water swimmers, this 2,025-yard swim event brings together the best of the best. But, most importantly, the Tiburon Mile helps renew a sense of competition into a Bears squad with high expectations and lofty goals for the year after a season where they were so very close to winning it all.
For some, it may be the prize money. For others, the fulfillment of a personal goal. But the RCP Tiburon Mile heralds the start of a new season, one that begins in the frigid temperatures of the San Francisco Bay.
After many minutes of braving the early-morning chill, it was eventually Polish swimmer Mateusz Sawrymowicz who took home the $10,000 prize in the men’s elite division. Sawrymowicz, who won gold at the 2007 FINA World Championships, was also the only swimmer to break the 24-minute mark. Finishing second at 24:02 was Tunisian competitor Oussama Mellouli, who won gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in the 1,500-meter freestyle. Three-time RCP Tiburon Mile champion Kane Radford placed third, crossing the line at 24:20.
The Bear who fared best was senior Jeremy Bagshaw, who placed 16th out of the 55 competitors in the men’s race with a time of 26:54. Finishing two places later was fellow senior Jamie Tyrrell who completed the race in 27:40, with sophomore Sam Shimomura rounding out the top three Bears with a time of 28:12.