Dubai Holding's 14th Burj Al Arab Swim Winners| Dubai Holding

Dubai Holding announces winners of the 14th edition of ‘Dubai Holding Burj Al Arab Swim’

April 12, 2019

Fastest swimmers in Female category 1,600-metre and 800-metre races are Margit Schroeter, Yuko Saito, Victoria Barker; Michelle Lewis, Saskia Warren, Gwen Van Beek, respectively
Fastest swimmers in Male category 1,600-metre and 800-metre races are Christopher Bryan, Tim Hobbs, Aleksandr Fedorov; Nimesh Patabadge, Swaleh Balala, Ashan Kaludeva, respectively
The race saw participation from swimmers of all proficiencies and from many age groups, ranging from 16 to 63

Dubai Holding announces the winners of ‘Dubai Holding Burj Al Arab Swim’ which took place today at Jumeirah Beach Hotel. Today marked the 14^th edition of Dubai Holding Burj Al Arab Swim, held in partnership with Al Jalila Foundation and with the support of Dubai Sports Council (“DSC’), and it continues to be organised by Wild Wadi Waterpark.

This year’s edition saw significantly higher participation levels compared to the previous edition held in 2017. There were a total of 600 swimmers that completed the Female and Male 1,600 metres and 800 metres race categories this morning. The race saw participation from swimmers of all proficiencies and from many age groups. The youngest female and male participants were 16 years old, and the eldest female and male participants were 63 years old.

This year’s edition saw the return of Christopher Bryan, who won first place across the 1,600-metre race for the second consecutive year. Christopher beat his 2017 record by 00:02:57min. Fastest swimmers in Male category 1,600-metre are Christopher Bryan, Tim Hobbs and Aleksandr Fedorov. Fastest swimmers in Male category 800-metre are Nimesh Patabadge, Swaleh Balala and Ashan Kaludeva.

Fastest swimmers in Female category 1,600-metre are Margit Schroeter, Yuko Saito and Victoria Barker. Margit, who came in first place, is the youngest female participant at 16 years old. Fastest swimmers in Female category 800-metre are Michelle Lewis, Saskia Warren and Gwen Van Beek. Saskia Warren, who won first place in 2017, returned to this year’s competition and beat her record by 00:03:32min, coming in at second place.

The fastest swimmers received premium prizes from the race’s sponsor and every competitor collected a free day pass to Wild Wadi.

The 2019 Dubai Holding Burj Al Arab Swim winners are:

Race	Gender	Rank	Name	Nationality	Finish Time
1600	Female	1	Margit Schroeter	GER		00:27:13
1600	Female	2	Yuko Saito	JPN		00:27:56
1600	Female	3	Victoria Barker	GBR		00:28:24
1600	Male	1	Christopher Bryan	IRL	00:20:44
1600	Male	2	Tim Hobbs	GBR	00:20:55
1600	Male	3	Aleksandr Fedorov	RUS	00:21:50
800	Female	1	Michelle Lewis	GBR	00:14:47
800	Female	2	Saskia Warren	GBR	00:15:06
800	Female	3	Gwen Van Beek	NED	00:16:40
800	Male	1	Nimesh Patabadge	SRI	00:14:36
800	Male	2	Swaleh Balala	KEN	00:14:44
800	Male	3	Ashan Kaludeva	SRI	00:15:23

On this occasion, Amit Kaushal, Group Chief Executive Officer at Dubai Holding said: “On behalf of everyone at Dubai Holding I would like to congratulate all the participants for an exceptional show of sportsmanship and enthusiasm at this morning’s races. We would like to extend a special congratulations to the winners of the races on a remarkable performance, which inspires us all to do better and achieve bigger success.”

Kaushal added: “We are delighted to have raised funds for Al Jalila Foundation’s Obesity Research Fund, an important initiative that is aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of people in the UAE and beyond. Dubai Holding is proud to be making a positive impact in the wider community, helping to drive happiness and socio-economic growth in line with the vision of Dubai’s Leadership.”

Dubai Holding provided support throughout the course to ensure the contestants’ safety and wellbeing, including lifeguards on speed boats, kayaks and pontoons to encourage the swimmers as they took the waters surrounding Dubai’s iconic Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. Following the race, all participants were greeted at the finish line with refreshments, snacks and celebratory activations.

Participating at 63 years old, Deborah Cummims, said: “I have been swimming since I was 3 years old and I am here today competing at this race. Over the past 10 years, I have been coming to Burj Al Arab, as my favourite landmark in Dubai, to relax and spend quality time with my family. Today, I came to prove that age is just a number.”

In addition, Connor Conway, a brave swimmer who took part in the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 said at the finish line: “Today’s race was exceptionally good, I enjoyed being part of the competition. Swimming makes me feel good, keeps me focused and mindful. “

Inas Hejazi, a swimming instructor and lifeguard from Syria came in sixth place in the 1,600-metre race (00:28:43min) said: “This is my first time participating in this incredible event. I am excited to have my family with me here to support me through this tough competition. I have been training intensely for the past few months in preparation of this event, and I look forward to partaking in future races.”