The 2025 Aruban Open Water Championships concluded today at Surfside / Nikki Beach,
marking a triumphant celebration of athleticism and community spirit. Swimmers from across
Aruba competed in distances ranging in distances of 1K, 3K, 5K and 10K, vying for titles in their
respective age categories and the prestigious honor of being named Official Aruba Champion.
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
The 10K was an absolute thrill! Britta and Bobby led the pack with unwavering determination,
pushing each other stroke for stroke to the finish line. In a heart-pounding finale, they crossed
almost simultaneously, with Britta clinching the win by just 0.1 seconds. Just take a look at the
photo finish — a moment that will be talked about for years to come!
5K – Male
Luis Mario Arends (Giants) – 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) – 19:18.1
Age Group Winners
10K – Male
1. Bobby Gibson (Giants Aquatics Aruba) – 2:14:49.3
2. Ethan Cunha (Aruba Dolphins) – 2:23:23.3
10K – Female
1. Britta Schwengle (Aruba Dolphins) – 2:14:49.2
5K – Male (16–18 years)
1. Luis Mario Arends (Giants Aquatics Aruba) – 1:12:28.2
2. Tyler Richards (Stingray Swimming Team) – 1:26:18.7
5K – Male (19+ years)
1. Rene de Boer (Aruba) – 1:32:16.6
2. Giovanni Gomez (GWT) – 1:47:32.9
5K – Female (14–15 years)
1. Chloe Nicole Nicolaas (Aruba Dolphins) – 1:26:27.2
5K – Female (19+ years)
1. Tess de Boer (Aruba) – 1:30:24.5
3K – Male (12–14 years)
1. Jaythan Winterdal (Aruba Dolphins) – 42:36.9
2. Ruben Mansur (Giants Aquatics Aruba) – 43:03.6
3. Leandro Santiesteban (Stingray Swimming) – 44:19.7
3K – Male (15–18 years)
1. Inald Fernandes Perna (Giants Aquatics Aruba) – 39:06.5
2. Jayrick Winterdal (Aruba Dolphins) – 41:02.8
3. Matthew Gobert (Sportsz4u) – 41:02.9
3K – Male (19+ years)
1. John Oduber (Giants Aquatics Aruba) – 54:24.3
2. Jorik Julsing (Giants Aquatics Aruba) – 1:04:19.3
3. Francis Gomez (Unaffiliated) – 1:07:47.4
3K – Female (12–14 years)
1. Alyssa Ras (Giants Aquatics Aruba) – 47:28.2
2. Zivah Croes (Aruba Dolphins) – 47:28.5
3. Vitali Inocencia (Stingray Swimming) – 51:21.4
Not only the 10K had a nail-biter finish. 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.
3K – Female (15–18 years)
1. Eva Kock (Aruba Dolphins) – 47:14.7
2. Zoe Engelhart (Giants Aquatics Aruba) – 47:51.5
3. Amy Rachell Webb (Aruba Dolphins) – 56:01.8
3K – Female (19+ years)
1. Carla Kok (Giants Aquatics Aruba) – 1:04:06.2
1K – Male (8–11 years)
1. Adrian Vrolijk (Aruba Dolphins) – 17:45.1
1K – Female (8–11 years)
1. Sofia Rikken (Giants Aquatics Aruba) – 19:18.1
2. Richmyra Hoen (Stingray Swimming Team) – 19.56.0
3. Iva Werleman (Stingray Swimming Team) – 20.12.2
A Day to Remember
The event was marked by a vibrant atmosphere, with athletes, fans, and volunteers coming
together to celebrate the spirit of open water swimming. The challenging courses tested the
endurance and determination of all participants, making every finish a moment of triumph.
Gratitude to Our Community
The Aruba Aquatic Federation extends heartfelt thanks to all athletes for their dedication, to the
fans for their unwavering support, and to the volunteers whose efforts made this event possible.
Your contributions are the backbone of our open water competitions.
For full race results and more information, visit the blog on www.arubaaquatics.org and on our
Facebook and Instagram pages.
Coming up:
Aruba Artistic Swimming National Championships – June 27-29, 2025
Aruba Swimming National Championships – July 3-6, 2025
