Three strokes and three lengths equalled victory for James Lythe.
Charlie Frith second home, follwed by Toby Crooks and Jamal Saad.
Plus a fond fairwell and bon voyage to Mia Ryan, who set off from the Serpentine on her two-wheeled solo journey to Mongolia. Much love, hugs and best wishes were shared.
The Andrew and Himilce Individual Medley Cup
Watched over by today's "race director" Mike Barron
James Lythe took the honours
Cup and prizes presented by Andrew and Himilce Fuller (photo: Sophia Holder)
Past president Alan Mitchell stood in for Laure and told of Andrew and his long history with the club across five decades
Still got it - that presidential authority has not been lost.
A gentle gentlemen, Andrew joined the club in 1985. After a dozen years or so his civil service job took him to Southampton which meant until retirement there were quite a few gaps in his regular appearances lakeside.
Mike Olizar has previously commented that “Andrew is the Club's supreme exponent of the backstroke. He is the only person I know-of who diving off from the board facing the front can spin round mid-air to hit the water in the backstroke position.”
Aside from his proficiency at backstroke (he won the 1990 Peter Pan cup using his favoured stroke) Andrew has run a number of marathons .... forward-facing not backwards!
Andrew took over the sponsorship of the club's Individual Medley in 1991 following the death of Louis Alt. Louis was famous for his head-stands and yoga poses as well as his proficiency with the Indian clubs. Andrew is not known for yoga nor the Indian clubs, but his well-researched post-race speech, always delivered without notes, is an annual “not to be missed” event.
Fuzzy finish for the 1990 Peter Pan cup
Not the best of shots, but at least Andrew's backstroking Christmas morning glory was captured for posterity
Post race with Alan Titmuss
Andrew succeeded Indian club afficionado Louis Alt as sponsor of the Individual Medley race in 1991
Louis, 1986
In addition to his excellent Serpentine backstroke, Andrew has been quite successful pounding 26 miles worth of London's streets
London Marathon, 1992
We were joined by Himilce's nephew Ryan and Baby the chihuahua (photo: Sophia Holder)
Mike Barron delivered the race briefing - strictly back, breast, then crawl. Omit the fly, unless you fancied an optional, unrewarded, fourth leg.
Message understood?
Stylish? Natty? Dapper? Can you guess the mystery swimmer? See above photo for a clue.
A beautiful mid August morning as contestants took to the board to reflect on the task ahead
(photo: Vanessa Marshall)
No idea what Robin had just said, but it certainly tickled Ezme (photo: Vanessa Marshall)
Talking tactics? (photo: Vanessa Marshall)
Clock going and Charlie Cottam is underway
A tough task for a habitual heads-up breaststroker, but Charlie so impressed with his exertion, effort and energy that he was awarded an additional prize by Andrew Fuller for the most impressive backstroke (photo: Vanessa Marshall)
Race very much in progess as the handicap clock calls out (photo: Vanessa Marshall)
Luke gave his best on an unfamiliar stroke (photo: Vanessa Marshall)
James Lythe steamed home on the front crawl leg to take claim the trophy (photo: Vanessa Marshall)
Time to chat, take stock and state "I'm glad that's over for another year". A sentiment no doubt shared by the Hon. Handicapper. (photo: Vanessa Marshall)
James the proud winner
(photo: Vanessa Marshall)
Second place for Charlie Frith
(photo: Sophia Holder)
Toby Crooks came in third, but was absent for the presentation. Fourth placed Jamal Saad happily carried off the pick of the prizes
(photo: Sophia Holder)
And finally, heartfelt hugs and best wishes for a bon voyage were shared for Mia Ryan.
Mongolia here she comes (photo: Sophia Holder)
(Report compiled by Brian Thomas. Images provided by Brian and the club's archives, unless credited to individuals)