Day 174 - Saturday 22nd January 2011

UK International Cold Water Championships at Tooting Bec Lido London

Today was the day I had been both dreading and looking forward to. The Cold Water Championships in London where some years they have had to break the ice to start the competition. The temperature over the years has ranged from under freezing to over 5 degrees so we had no idea what to expect. We left the Arch at 6.30am in a mini bus driven by Big Mike and after a couple of pick ups we were a solid team of 13. Big Mike, almost as tall Mike, Big Bob, Little Bob, Fiona, Lindy, Evo, Charlotte, Bella, Martina, Angus, Midgie and Myself. A fine bunch by any standard (except perhaps Olympic standard!).

We arrived at around 7.30am and signed in; collecting our passes, certificates, swim hats and instructions. Between us we were competing in Relays, Solo’s and Endurance and as it transpired we did OK! Little Bob and Mike were in the Finals very quickly (well deserved!) and Medals were one by some (Lindy even got a Gold in the Female breastroke) and Bob & Fiona received medals in the Endurance. As for the rest of us, we all did our bit and both swum well and supported well.

The London Swimming Club did extremely well on the day; I wonder if that had anything to do with the fact that we were numbered as 13 and they probably had over 130 there! I think next year we should hold it in the Sea at Brighton and find out how well they fair when you can’t put your feet down; gauntlet well and truly laid!

The day itself was very long as between races we literally were just standing around (the whole event being outside) and it was bloomin cold the whole time. In fact I felt warmer after my swim than I had all day standing around. With competitors from around the world, some sporting very interesting head dresses and bathing costumes (there was a best hat medal as well being awarded; Evo came third!!) it made a tiring day a lot of fun and a great experience. I always like the social side of BSC, we make up such an eclectic bunch that it always makes it enjoyable.

Tooting Bec Lido today, the Channel next and the Olympics after that; never say never!!!!

A couple of web sites to look at about the event:

http://www.demotix.com/news/564995/cold-water-swimming-championship-london

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/gallery/2011/jan/23/cold-water-swimming-championships#/?picture=370938550&index=0