Event report from Caroline Makin
The Sydney Harbour Swim Classic Open Water annual event took place on Sunday 13 March 2011 in Sydney. This is a unique swim event, with the start and finish from the Man O’War Steps alongside Sydney Opera House. There are options to swim 1km and 2km distances, including a team competition.
Three Vikings — Caroline Makin, David Bale and Kristen Leydon — made the trip to this iconic sight in Sydney, to take part in the 1km event.
A glorious day dawned at Sydney Harbour and the first excitement of the day was seeing Geoff Huegill and Michael Klim take part in the 800m charity sprint event. Next, it was the turn of the Vikings to take the plunge from the Man O’War steps. Caroline, David and Kristen lined up next to one another at the deep water start line, ready for the off in the 35-44 mixed age group. The horn went and the swimmers powered into action, with the usual bun fight at the start of any open water swim, jostling for positions and trying to avoid getting kicked in the face or dunked during the first few metres of the swim.
David and Caroline took off neck and neck — anyone who knows the two of them, especially from aerobic swims, will know there’s always a competitive element between these two Vikings!
All three Vikings put in excellent performances and came home in good times … results as follows:
Caroline Makin crossed the finish line at the top of the Man O’War steps in a time of 18:02, placing 65th overall out of 393 male and female swimmers, 19th female out of 183 and 6th out of 42 in the female 35-44 category.
David Bale crossed the finish line in a time of 18:15, placing 73rd overall, 51st male out of 210 and 16th out of 49 in the male 35-44 category.
Kristen Leydon brought the Vikings home across the finish line in a time of 21:48, placing 177th overall, 163rd female out of 183 and 19th out of 42 in the female 35-44 category.
The three Vikings Masters sneak onto the podium for a photo opportunity!
Thanks to Caroline’s husband Scott, for being chief supporter and photographer …. as ever!
Some pizza, a couple of beers and a lot of laughs were shared in the pub after the event concluded, followed by a walk through the Botanic Gardens, before heading back down the highway to Canberra a few hours later.
More event information and full results are available at www.sydneyharbourswim.com.
