TAIBEI (Central News Agency, Penghu County, June 14) — The 'International Swim Across Penghu Bay' faced weather disruptions today, with the 5-kilometer swimming event relocated to Guanyin Pavilion waters. The 5-kilometer stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) race also pushed forward through strong waves. Thomas from Australia won both the 10-kilometer international division and the 5-kilometer swim race, claiming double victory.

The '2026 PENGHU OCEANMAN International Swim Across Penghu Bay' hosted events today including the 5km swim, 5km SUP, and 500-meter experience categories for children, individuals, and parent-child teams. With a starting signal from Lin Chang-an, an advisor to the county government; Tang Hao-yu, Deputy Director of Taipei City Sports Bureau; and Li Guang-xiang, Deputy Secretary-General of Kinmen County Government, 1,450 domestic and international athletes entered the water, creating a spectacular scene at Guanyin Pavilion.

Originally, the 5,000-meter swim event was scheduled to start from Dayegu in Xiyu and cross to Guanyin Pavilion in Magong. However, due to weather and current conditions, and primarily for participant safety, the race was shifted to an in-bay loop course starting from Guanyin Pavilion. One swimmer from Taoyuan was kicked in the left chest by another competitor and withdrew; he received first aid from emergency personnel and was unharmed. Another Japanese participant withdrew mid-race to catch a flight.

In the 10km OCEANMAN International Division, Thomas (THOMAS GILBERT) of Australia won gold with a time of 2 hours, 30 minutes, and 1.6 seconds. Taiwan’s Lu Jin-huang and Japan’s KENSUKE SHIBUYA took second and third. In the women’s division, Taiwan’s Hsu Ya-chiao won with a time of 2 hours, 54 minutes, and 5.03 seconds, followed by Chen Zhi-yu and Zheng Ting-yin. The 2km race was won by Zheng Yuan-chao and Ye Li-yu from Taiwan. Thomas of Australia also claimed victory in the 5km swim race, making him the biggest winner of the event. (Editor: Li Shu-hua) 1150614

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  • Source: CNA (Central News Agency)
  • Category: Event