Viewers can watch again television coverage of the Great North Swim – the first mass participation, one mile open water swim in the UK – on the Channel 4 website.
The one-hour show was originally aired at 5.15am on Monday 6 October and featured highlights from the first ever Great North Swim. Internet users can watch it as part of Channel 4's free catch-up service. CLICK HERE to view the programme.
The Swim took place at Lake Windermere on 13th September 2008 and attracted more than 2,000 swimmers. It is anticipated the programme will be repeated on Channel 4 at a later time in the coming months.
The swim also featured male and female elite races. David Davies was able to take revenge for the Olympics with a victory in 17:02.67 over his Dutch and German competitors from Beijing. While Cassie Patten beat Keri-Anne Payne (her fellow Team GB swimmer) to the touch, clocking 18:21.49 just ahead of Payne’s 18:21.83.
The non-elite competitors took to the water in waves of 200 participants, swimming the 1500m course in a water temperature of only 15 degrees.
One of those who took part and will be watching the coverage will be the asa’s Life-long Participation Officer, Nuala Muir-Cochrane.
She said: “The first Great North Swim was such a great experience to be a part of. I swam without a wetsuit so it was initially cold but as soon as I started swimming I got warmer! The water felt very clean, but you couldn't see the bottom, just about two or three feet down!
“When I finished the crowds were great. Every swimmer was being supported and clapped as they crossed the finish line.
“It was a great event to take part in, especially meeting male and female swimmers of all ages, who were there to have a fun time. The whole day had a carnival atmosphere with trade stands and concession stalls. I definitely want to do this swim next year and hopefully there will be more events like this nationwide.”
All competitors of the Great North Swim will be emailed when next year’s dates and locations of Great Swims are announced. The asa is also investigating the possibility of holding a mass participation swim.
-ENDS-
For more information contact the asa PR Manager Sharon Rose on 01509 632262, 07876 652318 or email sharon.rose@swimming.org
The asa is the English National Governing Body for Swimming, Diving, Water Polo, Open Water, and Synchronised Swimming. It organises competition throughout England, establishes the Laws of the Sport and operates comprehensive certification and education programmes for Teachers, Coaches and Officials as well as its renowned Learn To Swim Awards scheme. The asa supports 1,220 affiliated swimming clubs through a National/Regional/County structure. The asa aims to ensure everybody has an opportunity to learn to swim.
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