The real cold-water swimming season began for us at Čehovice near Prostějov. Water at 3.9°C finally allowed performance grades to be earned. The 250 metres consequently attracted an unusually strong field, as even newcomers could earn Grade II over that distance.
Great spirits, perfect organisation and excellent goulash after swimming — all things host club TJ Haná reliably provides, so we had been looking forward to the event. Richard Machálek was so keen that he arrived the previous day and camped beside the pond. Remarkably, a woman won every distance: 100, 250, 500, 750 and 1,000 metres. I cannot remember another result like it. The cold water also tested swimmers’ readiness: of 102 starters, two withdrew and one failed to finish within the 22-minute limit.
- Race photo gallery (photos by Ivan Landa)