Tory Long was due to present the race prizes for the Sidney Stovold cup. Storm Amy closed the park. Some enjoyed the lie-in. Others dashed off in pursuit alternative activity.
2024 winner Adam Cranfield
A year's more polishing
Past president Mike Olizar is always proud to speak of the history behind the Stovold cup
Mike had a close connection with Gladys Stovold and in 2024 was very happy and honoured to step in to host the presentation. Mike would often give a lift to Gladys on the morning of her race.
Sidney was an international standard high diver who was selected for the GB team at the 1948 Olympics. Unfortunately a broken leg prevented him from competing. He had been a member of the Serpentine SC for only five years when he sadly passed away far too early in 1962, aged 51. His wife Gladys continued to support the club and present the cup each autumn up to her passing in 2011. Channel swimmer Tory Thorpe (now Mrs Long) has presented the prizes ever since.
For further detail of the Stovold cup and of the marathon swim exploits of Tory Long (nee Thorpe) and her love for the Serpentine please follow this link to the 2024 race report -
https://serpentineswimmingclub.com/news/51302/2024-stovold-cup-tory-long