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Splash Made At 70th Pier2Pier Swim Challenge

Monday, 22 July 2024 09:08

By Dominic Kureen X @WriteOnDom

The IW Marlins Masters Swim Club hosted its 70th Pier2Pier Sea Swim Challenge from Sandown Pier to the site of the old Shanklin Pier on Saturday (July 20).

Under sunny skies, midday saw 157 swimmers - more than 50 of whom were from the Island - enter the water and swim across 1.8miles of the Bay.

The fastest male swimmer was Benjamin van De Helstraete (Seaclose S.C) in 32 minutes and.50 seconds and the fastest lady was Kitty Craig in 35m, 8s.

The 15-17 year-old Junior section saw Harry Shepherd clock 33m, 55s - just holding off Isobel Muncaster in 34m, 15s (both Seaclose S.C).

Benjamin was the fastest Island Male and Abigail Lacey (Seaclose S.C) the fastest Island Lady in 37m. 21s.

As the rest of the swimmers came up the beach to the finish line there were plenty of smiles of success, relief, 'I did it!', and a few signs of exhaustion etched on some faces. 

The last swimmer in was legendary 86 year-old Islander Jenny Ball (Ryde S.C.) in 1 hour, 3 minutes and.27 seconds.

There was a large crowd to see the start and the finish, where they were entertained by FatSamba as the swimmers came in.

The Trophies were presented by the Island's European and British 200m Butterfly Down Syndrome swimming Champion, Zac Lacey. 

The 71st Swim will take place on the 9 August 2025.

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