Waves of Triumph and Togetherness

Oranjestad, Aruba – June 8, 2025
Under the radiant Caribbean sun and the spirited cheers of spectators, the 2025 Aruban Open Water Championships came to a thrilling close at Surfside / Nikki Beach. This year’s edition was more than a race — it was a celebration of grit, endurance, and the vibrant swimming community that defines Aruba’s aquatic spirit.

Aruba’s Finest Rise to the Challenge

Over the course of the day, swimmers competed across a range of distances — 1K, 3K, 5K, and 10K — testing their stamina against the currents and each other. Representing various clubs across the island, these athletes didn’t just aim for the podium — they swam with pride and purpose.

Among the highlights was the electrifying 10K race, where Britta Schwengle of Aruba Dolphins and Bobby Gibson of Giants Aquatics Aruba delivered a jaw-dropping photo finish. In an unforgettable moment of synchronized endurance, Britta edged Bobby by just 0.1 seconds — a finish that will be retold for years.

But that wasn’t the only nail-biter of the day. The Girls 12–14 3K category also stunned spectators, with Alyssa Ras and Zivah Croes battling stroke for stroke to the finish line. Alyssa took gold with a time of 47:28.2, beating Zivah by just 0.3 seconds — another heart-pounding finish that showcased the fierce spirit of our young swimmers.

Official Aruba Champions 2025

• 10K Male: Bobby Gibson (Giants Aquatics Aruba) – 2:14:49.3
• 10K Female: Britta Schwengle (Aruba Dolphins) – 2:14:49.2
• 5K Male: Luis Mario Arends (Giants Aquatics Aruba) – 1:12:28.2
• 5K Female: Chloe Nicole Nicolaas (Aruba Dolphins) – 1:26:27.2
• 3K Male: Inald Fernandes Perna (Giants Aquatics Aruba) – 39:06.5
• 3K Female: Eva Kock (Aruba Dolphins) – 47:14.7
• 1K Male: Adrian Vrolijk (Aruba Dolphins) – 17:45.1
• 1K Female: Sofia Rikken (Giants Aquatics Aruba) – 19:18.1

Age Group Winners Showcase Aruba’s Young Talent

🏁 10K

• Males:
  1. Bobby Gibson – 2:14:49.3
  2. Ethan Cunha – 2:23:23.3
• Females:
  1. Britta Schwengle – 2:14:49.2

🏁 5K

• Males 16–18:
  1. Luis Mario Arends – 1:12:28.2
  2. Tyler Richards – 1:26:18.7
• Males 19+:
  1. Rene de Boer – 1:32:16.6
  2. Giovanni Gomez – 1:47:32.9
• Females 14–15:
  1. Chloe Nicole Nicolaas – 1:26:27.2
• Females 19+:
  1. Tess de Boer – 1:30:24.5

🏁 3K

• Males 12–14:
  1. Jaythan Winterdal – 42:36.9
  2. Ruben Mansur – 43:03.6
  3. Leandro Santiesteban – 44:19.7
• Males 15–18:
  1. Inald Fernandes Perna – 39:06.5
  2. Jayrick Winterdal – 41:02.8
  3. Matthew Gobert – 41:02.9
• Males 19+:
  1. John Oduber – 54:24.3
  2. Jorik Julsing – 1:04:19.3
  3. Francis Gomez – 1:07:47.4
• Females 12–14:
  1. Alyssa Ras – 47:28.2
  2. Zivah Croes – 47:28.5
  3. Vitali Inocencia – 51:21.4
• Females 15–18:
  1. Eva Kock – 47:14.7
  2. Zoe Engelhart – 47:51.5
  3. Amy Rachell Webb – 56:01.8
• Females 19+:
  1. Carla Kok – 1:04:06.2

🏁 1K (8–11 years)

• Males:
  1. Adrian Vrolijk – 17:45.1
• Females:
  1. Sofia Rikken – 19:18.1
  2. Richmyra Hoen – 19:56.0
  3. Iva Werleman – 20.12.2

More Than a Race

The day wasn’t just about medals — it was about unity. Families, volunteers, coaches, and fans came out in full force to cheer on their athletes, turning the coastline into a festival of sportsmanship. The event’s success was a testament to the enduring passion Aruba holds for aquatic sports.

Thank You, Aruba!

The Aruba Aquatic Federation extends heartfelt gratitude to every swimmer who gave it their all, to every volunteer who made the event possible, and to every supporter who brought the shoreline to life with their cheers.

📈 Complete race times: timing.events/Event/Results?id=92

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