Updated: May 12, 2024 06:58 PM
Joseph and Gabriela Cecchini (File photo: Mehuli Sibanda)
Twins Joseph and Gabriella Cecchini enjoyed a memorable debut at the Waterfront Wellness 5K on Sunday.
The 13-year-old Somersfield Academy students punched well above their weight on their way to a podium finish in their respective divisions.
Joseph Cecini finished third overall with a time of 18 minutes and 14 seconds, while his brother Gabriella placed first in the women’s division and fifth overall with a time of 19 minutes and 15 seconds.
After recovering from the effort, the promising athletes gave glowing reviews for their performance.
“I thought we did pretty well,” Joseph said, elated. royal gazette.
“We had a lot of fast guys, so we improved a lot from last week.” [Bermuda Healthcare Sir Stanley Burgess 5K] To some colleagues who help me.
That was my fastest time and I’m happy with it. It was very humid and the course was very hilly, but other than that everything was very good. ”
Gabriella was also very satisfied with her exhibit.
“It was fun and I was happy to finish in first place, especially with the help from coaches Steve Burgess and Ashley Cooper,” she said.
“It was long and hot but fun. My time was a little off the fastest but it was a lot of fun. There were a few hills that weren’t to my liking but I enjoyed the course so it’s not too bad was.”
Cooper, a coach and six-time Bermuda Day Half Marathon Derby women’s champion, is coaching the twins and is delighted to see them reaping the benefits of the hard work they put into their training. I’m here.
“This is amazing and I’m so proud of them,” she said. “It’s really wonderful.
“I’m very happy for Gabriela, who both came to my sessions and worked hard. She’s a very talented athlete.
“Her twin brother is great too. He runs with me and they’re really nice people.”
Christopher Hands led the entire field with a time of 17 minutes, 27 seconds, and Philip Woolins was second with a time of 17 minutes, 48 seconds.
Christopher Hands (file photo)
“I used today as a test run to gauge my recovery from my recent injury in preparation for May 24th. I’m very happy with my overall performance,” Hands said.
“I have to give a huge shout out to Joseph Cecini, who not only set a fast pace from the start, but also ensured we continued on the right path along Canal Road.
“It’s very impressive to see him show such talent and dedication at the young age of 13 and produce such amazing splits.
“I would also like to congratulate his sister Gabriella who won the overall women’s title with a very impressive performance.
“Additionally, thank you to Waterfront Wellness and all of our dedicated volunteers for organizing such a great event. And of course, Happy Mother’s Day to everyone who came out to support us!”
In the women’s category, Stepanka Sprinkova took second place with a time of 19 minutes and 55 seconds, and Teresa Ruiz took third place with a time of 20 minutes and 25 seconds.
