Today’s third leg of the Winter series was graced by the presence of Liz Ward, not only Ireland’s leading microbiologist at the Serpentine, but also a huge and loyal fan of great Irish literature.
It was a privilege to share time with this most discerning, intelligent and sophisticated reader of quality locally produced material. Today, she expressed interest in the genre of 'algorithmic English writing', but in the end she will have to settle for some abstract expressionist writing regarding today’s swimming.
So, where do we start in a series where no-one really knows who is winning until the final race in December?
Perhaps, rather than focus on the results it’s best to look at the styles of one of today’s swimmers?
And one swimmer who looked great in the water swam with the rhythmic motion of a Venetian gondolier, you know, using that lovely musical ‘barcarola’ style used by those Italian gondoliers. I watched the swimmer move with what looked close to a 6/8 speed moderate tempo. And you could almost hear the swimmer sing. Anyway, as we swimmers started, we were Offenbach before you knew it.
This Sunday coming, while many will go to Kendal for a bit of lake district exposure, more will be at the South London Swimming Club gala for a bit of off and back swimming racing. Contact Deirdre if you want to be involved; you never know, she might even give you her secret recipe for Mammy’s Croquettes. Ohhhh, it’s not very secret now.
[John Tierney]
I'll be off now. Back next Saturday.