There is an adage often bandied around in sport saying that “if you’re good enough, you’re old enough” but at the Serpentine on Saturday, this phrase was given a bit of botox and should now read “if you are old enough, then you are good enough”. And for Ted Gerald, that was true as he triumphed in the final 50 metres of a 400metre race winning against his probably younger rival Haydn Turner and 40 other swimmers. In fact almost the complete shoal of swimmers were younger than Ted the champion swimmer.
Saturday was also a day for furry paddlers with some Channel swimmers and others bringing their nearest and waggiest to the club. Poodles, labs and English pointers were all in attendance. So, who is to say that the next relay of note by the club might not be butterfly, but a doggie paddle relay across the water?
It was also great to see Volker Koch be celebrated for his achievement of swimming solo to France; and he had gone to the trouble of baking a ‘white forest gateau’ cake for the club. Delicious.
But back to the racing where the race sponsor was the rejuvenated Ian Stuttard. It has been great to see Ian make more regular appearances at Serps following his recent health scare. And thanks to Ian for presenting the prizes. One wag wondered whether the historic looking prizes had been taken from room 43 in the British Museum archives, but Ian - never one to let the artefacts get in the way of a good story - confirmed that they were all purchased from various trips abroad over the years.
So, the race started and without the evergreen Rod Newing who was away on a distance kayak around Chiswick Eyot, it was up to some other seniors to demonstrate who was the best swimmer aged over 60 years. The early leader was Ron, who thanks to his handicap had built up a ten minute lead on the field from the word “Go” but perhaps that was thanks to Dani the handicapper?
With 100metres remaining, Haydn a man in his 70s had the lead, but as he was only breathing to his right side towards the cafe clock tower, he was unable to notice the pacy stroke of 79 year old Ted. And by pacy you need to know that Ted can currently swim 1500 metres in around 28 minutes; a great speed for any swimmer, but even more so for someone who is approaching his 80th birthday. Ted reeled him in to win by five metres and collect his first trophy in almost ten years. Ted, who can swim 110 yards in two minutes and four seconds in open water is certainly old enough and good enough. Let’s see what the club's fastest distance swimmer over 60 years old has planned for later in the year, as he has a goal in mind.
Another fine day at the Serpentine. Right said Ted.
