A gloriously sunny day on Saturday 30 June saw five Penguin masters swimming in the London Region Open Water Championships against the stunning backdrop of Surrey Docks.
Jesse Kelly and Vito Palladino took on the 5k race – 10 laps of the course. Ambra Finotello, Jess Needham and Claire Berry raced in the 2k distance.
Claire’s daughter and a posse of Penguins were there to cheer them on.
The high water temperature dictated that it was a non-wetsuit swim and our swimmers were in heats with age-groupers aged 12 upwards, as well as other masters swimmers. In their own words…
Jess…
I had a wonderful time swimming Surrey Docks in the summer sun. It’s not every day you can swim against the backdrop of the Canary Wharf towers on a hot day.
The event was competitive for some – the dive start off the dock was new for me – but also just a bit of fun for some of us Penguins. I enjoyed the opportunity to swim somewhere new in London.
Thanks to Vito for organising as the team manager, and all of the supporters who came to cheer us on. It was a fun day!
Claire…
A great day for a swim; hard work but worth it. I actually thought I was last as we were so spread out but happy and surprised to be told I wasn’t!
Jesse…
We had a really great time. It was a beautiful day and a lot of people showed up to cheer us all on.
I was pretty blown away with the speed at the start as a group of youngsters quickly distanced themselves. I ended up on my own for much of the swim but I was even more shocked when the speedy group of both boys and girls lapped me on my 7th lap! There are some really fast swimmers out there!
It was really great to see so many of all ages at the event, and to have a great turnout from the Penguins.
Results
Our small team did brilliantly.
In the London Region results, Jesse won the 40+ men’s category, qualifying for the Nationals in July. Vito finished 2nd in the 30-39 men’s race.
Split out into the Middlesex results, Jesse and Vito both took gold.
In the London Region results, Jess took second place in the 25+ women’s race with Ambra finishing third, and Claire 4th.
Separated out into the Middlesex results it was gold, silver and bronze respectively.
