Hyde Park Serpentine Open Water Festival Attracts Diverse Participants
The Hyde Park Serpentine Open Water Festival, also known as Swim Serpentine, took place on Saturday in London, drawing thousands of participants from diverse backgrounds. The event, now in its seventh edition, saw over 6,000 people of all ages, ranging from 10 to 86 years old, come together to swim in the iconic Serpentine Lake.
One of the notable participants was English actress Juliet Stevenson, famous for her role in the film “Truly, Madly, Deeply.” Stevenson, 67, took on the challenge of swimming the half-mile distance to support West London Welcome, a refugee and migrant community center in the area. Despite facing a minor setback with a hole in her wetsuit creating a bubble, Stevenson expressed her joy in participating and bonding with fellow swimmers during the event.
Participants Overcome Challenges and Embrace Achievements
Among the participants was 80-year-old Lena Buckley, who decided to celebrate her birthday by taking on the half-mile swim. With the support of her friend, Sian Blatchford, 62, Buckley pushed through cramps in her left calf to accomplish the feat. Determined and strong-willed, Buckley shared her excitement about completing the swim and revealed her plans to tackle a 5km run in her 80th year, showcasing her unwavering spirit for challenges.
The event also welcomed Olympic open water swimmer Cassie Patten, who highlighted the beauty and significance of the Serpentine Lake as a top open water venue in the UK. Patten emphasized the sense of freedom and connection to nature that open water swimming provides, making it a unique and fulfilling experience for participants of all levels.
Swim Serpentine: A Legacy of Olympic Excellence
Swim Serpentine originated as a legacy event from the 2012 London Olympic Games, aiming to promote open water swimming and engage the community in a recreational and competitive setting. Over the years, the festival has grown in popularity, attracting swimmers of all ages and abilities to experience the thrill and challenge of swimming in the historic Serpentine Lake.
The festival’s diverse range of distances, from half a mile to six miles, caters to swimmers looking to test their limits and celebrate personal achievements. With participants like Juliet Stevenson, Lena Buckley, and Cassie Patten sharing their stories of determination and triumph, Swim Serpentine continues to inspire individuals to push beyond their boundaries and embrace the joy of open water swimming.
Overall, the Hyde Park Serpentine Open Water Festival proved to be a resounding success, bringing together a vibrant community of swimmers and supporters to celebrate the beauty of open water swimming and the spirit of perseverance. As the event continues to grow and evolve, it remains a testament to the enduring legacy of the London Olympic Games and the enduring power of sport to unite people of all backgrounds.