Swimming as a Physical Contact Sport

I bet you did not know that swimming is a physical contact sport. Actually walking across Zurich main station can be like fighting your way through the back row of the South African rugby team. Large handbags are the favourite weapons, and can deal a nasty blow if you don’t get out of the way. Turning suddenly with a rucksack is my favourite. So no quarter asked or given, especially when it comes to disembarking from the 07.50 at Zurich. Platform 51 is particularly to be avoided except by tag wrestlers in training.

Anyway back to swimming. The Red Candles triumphed at the Wallisellen mini-triathlon, taking three of the “Oldest Ten Participants” prize and successfully holding on to the last three places in the tournament.

We were gratefully welcomed by the organisers who cheered us, and then cleared up the tables and markers behind us. But we were well experienced in running with no one in sight, either in front of us or behind of us.

http://services.datasport.com/2010/triathlon/wallisellen/RANG014.HTM

In Front of the Red Candles were the serious athletes. 13,000 Swiss Francs (£7,500) for a bike that weighs less than a second class postage stamp, is a small price to pay for a top place in this internationally acclaimed sports event. A Hawker, Reincke or a Gollan in front of you in the swimming pool is like a mere spot on a smooth kitchen work surface, to be pushed aside in the quest of a sub-45 minute time.

But you learn quickly. Don’t be shocked (as someone actually tries to swim though your private parts), but be sure to stick out elbows, legs, and any other sharp bits that you have at your disposal. Curiously, if you just keep going, push, shove, knee and elbow, then no one gets hurt.

(Do I hear my Dad asking if this is before or after we get into the pool?). But all good fun for all.

Thank goodness I will be in England for the Zurich Triathlon.