The 2012 British Gas Great Swim series has kicked off a summer of open water swimming in the UK. Saturday 26 May saw the UK’s biggest open water swim series get underway with the British Gas Great London Swim at the Royal Victoria Dock.
Over 3000 swimmers took part in the first of five series events, which will see almost 22,000 taking the plunge in lakes, lochs and urban docks throughout the UK this summer. This was the fourth staging of the London event, which continues to attract swimmers of all abilities – from first-timers to Olympic champions, including one of Team GB’s brightest medal hopefuls Keri-anne Payne.
Open water swimming has been gaining popularity since Keri-anne won her silver medal in 2008, and the sport continues to attract new participants.
Event director Alex Jackson, Nova International said, “We’re extremely excited to be back in London, the event has gone from strength to strength in the last four years, thanks to the enthusiasm and support of local swimmers, volunteers and the wider community.”
Ahead of the series opener in London, British Gas Brand Director Susie Plume said “I’m really excited that the British Gas Great London Swim will be the curtain raiser for a summer of open water swimming in this special year for Britain.
“British Gas is passionate about supporting swimming at all levels and it’s always fantastic to see thousands of swimmers of different abilities enjoying the challenge at this amazing event. I hope everyone has a great day.”
An estimated 9000 spectators joined in the carnival atmosphere in London, which included live samba music, food and drink concessions and a charity village at the finish line. Aqua Sphere is the official swim kit supplier to the series and is all set for a busy summer ahead!
Other sponsors include Coca-Cola’s Powerade ION sports drink, multisport retailer TheTriStore.com, bottled water brand Aqua-Pura, national newspaper The Daily Mirror and British Swimming.
The Great London was the first of five swim events scheduled for the year, including the Great East Swim at Suffolk, Great North Swim at Windermere, Great Manchester Swim at Salford and Great Scottish Swim at Strathclyde.
