Brockwell Swimmers traveled to Poland to take part in the Fourth International Winter Swimming Championships. This year’s venue was the beautiful and historic port of Gdansk with the 25 metre course positioned at the marine in the centre of town.
Following a welcome meeting at the ancient Merchants’ Hall, teams paraded their colours through the streets before arriving at the quay side ready for the races. Timing was a little chaotic, but the organisers made sure nobody was hanging around too long. There was also a welcome hot sauna to jump into, plus free sausage. What’s not to like.
Water temperature was measured at 4·7°C so not that different to here in the UK. Despite being on the Baltic, the water was surprisingly unsalty. It was explained that this was because the freezing sea does not move around much this time of year, and also the city is on the mouth of a river.
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Competition was tough, with some very seasoned swimmers from Russia, Finland, Estonia and Poland taking many of the medals. Tooting’s South London Swimming Club also collected quite a fistful so well done them.
However, Brockwell Swimmers’ two man team can be proud with our first international event earning us two medals. Well done to Peter McNamara for winning silver in the 25 metre breastroke and bronze for the 25 metre freestyle.
The evening proved equally enjoyable with the Polish organisers laying on a feast of food and entertainment at the “Integration Evening” held in the brand spanking new Solidarity Museum, just across the road from our Hotel. The band were pretty good too and got the crowd dancing before the starters arrived. Last revelers left the bar at two in the morning.
That left Sunday for some sight-seeing. There are a wealth of museums and grand churches to visit in the city, and with limited time we popped back to the Solidarity Museum and then on to see the famous “Last Judgement” painted by Hans Memling in the 15th Century. Both equally impressive.
Great event, great city and great hospitality. Looking forward to competing next year with a bigger team, and more medals.