Open water swimmers finish seventh at championships

AN outdoor swimming team from Henley came seventh in the world swimming championships last week.

The 15 members of the Henley Open Water Swim Club took part in the event on Lake Bled in Slovenia and were one of 84 teams from 31 different countries.

Overall, the swimmers won 17 medals in different events, which included distances from 25m to 1,000m and a variety of swim strokes.

Lynne Baxter, 42, from Bix, competed in six individual heats and one relay race, winning a total of six medals, a mixture of silver and bronze.

She said the competition was “absolutely brilliant”, adding: “I never thought I’d place in so many. Henley did really well.”

To celebrate, all the teams attended a gala dinner at the end of the championships.

Club chairwoman Kate Goodman was unable to attend the event but said there were many people on the banks cheering on the swimmers from Henley, which is twinned with Bled.

She said: “The competition took place over several days, so there was lots of celebrating each day. It is unusual to have a winter competition. We were complaining bitterly that it was 1C or 2C here while over there, they were treated to tropical temperatures of 5C.

“River temperatures are completely random — if you get a couple of cloudy nights, the water will be warmer. The Thames temperature goes up and down like a yo-yo.

“The Lake Bled water is also much cleaner because it doesn’t have sewage dumped in it. It is very clear mountain water.”

Ms Goodman, who lives in Farm Road, Henley, said the Henley team are “particularly good”.

She said: “We are officially the number one icy swimming club in the UK. We never stop. It doesn’t matter about the weather or if the river is flooded.

“A great-grandmother, Carol Carter, was swimming in the icy waters in Slovenia and won a silver medal.

“Most of the team have swum together for years as well. Most were in the club already when I joined six years ago.

“Outdoor swimming is becoming so popular now because it is hugely addictive. It makes you feel so good and is a very social sport. We have a great group here.”