On Friday afternoon, 19 June 2020, our Braník clubhouse hosted the traditional “triple event” — work party, time trial and campfire — alongside the annual club conference. The weather smiled on us all afternoon: not a drop fell, despite heavy rain in many other parts of Prague and its surroundings. There were not many volunteers, but they still completed every planned job, including mowing the grass, cutting firewood and cleaning the changing rooms. Huge thanks to these dedicated helpers, led by Miloš Paseka.
The club conference was also a small but very friendly gathering, naturally chaired by Tomáš Prokop. Members heard about the club’s finances and plans for the near future, and new members introduced themselves. Club legends Boženka Černá and Jan Novák honoured us with their presence. Jan read the concluding resolution, which the conference approved unanimously.
Next came the club time trial. Because of the Vltava’s strong current, we swam only downstream, starting at the beach 300 metres beyond the bridge, familiar as the start of the main Branické ledy race. With a pleasant air temperature of 18°C, most swimmers walked to the start barefoot and in their swimwear. The water, however, had fallen to 12°C, which was apparent as soon as we dipped our feet in. Anticipation grew until starter Nikola Kopecká sent us off at around 18:30. Mike Hudson, one of the two overseas participants, finished first and was the only swimmer to cover the 850 metres in under ten minutes. Everyone deserves credit, though: 12-degree water is unusual in mid-June. Jitka Vachtová was the fastest woman.
While we sat by the fire roasting sausages, the precisely compiled time-trial results were announced and personally confirmed by swimming federation official Petr Dvořák. Michal Kohoutek’s songs and guitar playing rounded off the relaxed atmosphere of a thoroughly enjoyable day.