A.S.A East Regional Open Water Swimming Championships

Whittlingham Lake 15th July 2007

A number of hearty Tri-Anglia club members took part in this inaugural event despite the “no wetsuit” rule. On this occasion we were all swimming for either EAST or UEA City of Norwich. 

All looked promising as we registered under sunny skies while spectators set up their chairs and picnics along the side of the great broad.

First off were the 22 men and 15 women for the 3km race (2 laps of the course). Tri Anglia members taking part were John Digby, Mark Nowell, Claire Knott, Giovanna Bertoldi, Corrine Le Quere, Anna Wasden and Penny Edwards . The race was won by Craig Jackson from Greenwich in 36 mins 42 secs (yes that time is really correct!) just 3 secs ahead of Sam Heard from UEA City of Norwich. Fastest woman was Sonaii Sorensen from Australia in 41.11. The rain had started during the race and the air was a bit chilly – noticeable immediately after the race when most of the swimmers were some shade of purple or blue.

Simon Edye and I both swam the 1.5km event. I felt reasonably confident after the Norwich Tri and was pleased to hold on to a very small lead over the only other woman in my age group despite her chasing me the whole way. However I was surprised that my time (27:29) was a minute slower than my tri leg, convincing me of what others had told me - that wetsuits really do make a difference in terms of speed as well as warmth!

It was great to see the juniors lining up for the 800m. None of them had done open water swimming before. Tri Anglia’s Anna Wasden won the girls event in 12:43. The only down side for me was that my daughter Ellie Fairfoot had to retire from the race and hated having to be brought back in on a boat to a round of sympathy clapping. However after a hot shower she declared she was definitely going to try it again next year – good attitude!

UEA City of Norwich (Sam Heard, Josh Page and myself) won the team event.

There were quite a few competitors who had never done open water swimming before. Most looked like they had enjoyed the new experience. During the race briefing the ASA official had told us that this was one of the best open water facilities in the country. It highlighted how lucky we are to have this fantastic facility on our doorstep.

The event was well organised and there was a great atmosphere. I hope more club members will go for it next year.

Results

Official Results

Photos

Article by Jenny Mayne
Page created: 21st July 2007. Last updated 23rd July 2007.