Lahaina Swimmers Continue Tradition of Success at the 47th Annual Sakamoto Invitational Tournament
May 29, 2023
The Lahaina Swim Club demonstrated an exceptional performance at the Sakamoto Invitational meet, held over four sessions on the weekend of May 27-28, 2023. This prestigious event, held in Wailuku, pays tribute to the esteemed swimming coach Soichi Sakamoto and has become a cherished tradition on Maui. Coach Sakamoto’s profound contributions to competitive swimming in Hawaii are widely acknowledged, as he established a successful swim program in the state and mentored numerous swimmers to achieve national and Olympic recognition.
In addition to the teams from Maui, the swimmers from Oahu representing Splash Aquatics, Manoa Aquatics, Pearl City Aquatics, Punahou Aquatics, and Kamehameha Swim Club also came to compete at the tournament. The presence of these teams elevated the competition’s standards, making it a truly remarkable annual event.
Lahaina Swim Club won the coveted 1st Place Team Event trophy with 1343.5 combined points, ahead of the second place Splash Aquatics team which earned 910.5 points. Lahaina swimmers earned individual high point awards in multiple divisions, including Kealani Aly in Girls 10 & Under Division, Emily Gorokhovsky in Girls 13-14 Division, Sacha Salem in Girls Open Division, Noah Heimer in Boys 11-12 Division, Eli Hazlet in Boys 13-14 Division, Noah Caiserman in Boys 15-18 Division, and Noah Richard in Boys Open Division. Special congratulations to Kealani Aly, who shared Most Outstanding Athlete Award based on individual point scoring, with a Maui Swim Club swimmer.
It was a great all around performance by the entire team. Out of 20 offered relay races at the meet, Lahaina won first place in 14 relays, while adding one 2nd place and one 3rd place to the medal count.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the event organizers, Maui Age Group Swimming Association, Hawaiian Swimming, as well as all the dedicated athletes, coaches, and volunteers who contributed to the success of this extraordinary event. Their combined efforts resulted in a truly memorable and remarkable celebration, honoring the legendary Coach Sakamoto.