Yorktown Swimmer a Splashing Success in Japan
Caren Guyett had no problems diving into unchartered waters during her first trip outside the country as she helped the United States Lifesaving Association National Team to a fourth place finish in the Sanyo Bussan International Lifesaving Cup in Japan last weekend.
A disqualification for a false start in one of the relay races cost the U.S. a chance to bring home the bronze in the team competition, which was won by Australia, but Guyett had her shining moments, individually earning two silver and two bronze medals.
“Individually I did pretty well,” said Guyett, 23, a resident of Yorktown and a swim coach at the Boys and Girls Club in Mount Kisco. “Japan was an amazing experience and our hosts were incredible. They couldn’t have been more friendly or hospitable. I am really happy I got to be a part of such a wonderful experience. They’ve definitely planted a bug in me and I hope to compete in more for years to come.”
Guyett was chosen as one of 12 members of the U.S. team after finishing fifth overall among 2,000 participants at the USLA National Lifeguard Championships last month in Cape May, N.J. The 2007 Lakeland High School graduate has been a lifeguard on Long Beach Island since 2008.
She also has coached the Marlins swim team at the Boys and Girls Club for the two last years, the same team she was a member of 15 years ago.
Guyett, who is studying psychology in graduate school at Fordham University after setting many school swimming records at Colgate University, said the Japanese Lifesaving Association demonstrated its dedication to preventing future drownings.
“The event itself was organized efficiently and beautifully,” she said, noting the U.S. team stayed in a hotel directly across from the beach where the competition was held. “There were opening and closing ceremonies that were delivered in Japanese and English to welcome all the teams and thank us for participating. There was also a very moving memorial ceremony to honor all of the drowning victims across the world and especially those affected by the Tsunami in Japan last year. All of the competitors stood in a single file line in front of the ocean, shoulder to shoulder. Our team managers stood in front of us and offered flowers and sake to the ocean and we all shared in a moment of silence.”
Rick has more than 40 years’ experience covering local news in Westchester and Putnam counties, running the gamut from politics and crime to sports and human interest. He has been an editor at Examiner Media since 2012. Read more from Rick’s editor-author bio here. Read Rick’s work here: https://www.theexaminernews.com/author/pezzullo_rick-writer/
