 |
August
11, 2002
12 swimmers to take plunge in 22½ -mile trek around Absecon IslandBy BILL LeCONEY Staff Writer, (609) 272-7187, E-MailTwelve swimmers will test the waters at Gardner's Basin early Saturday morning for the Atlantic City Around the Island Swim. They will have plenty of time to get used to it. A somewhat scaled-down version of the annual event - though it's hard to minimize the challenge of swimming 221/2 miles through cold ocean waves, back-bay currents and the ripping tides of two inlets - will begin at 9 a.m. There also will be a relay version of the swim beginning at 8 a.m. New swim director Michael Giegerich said the city administration under Mayor Lorenzo Langford has been "fantastic" in its support of the swim. "They've come through with everything they've promised," Giegerich said, including $10,000 toward the race purse of $18,000. What began 49 years ago as a $200 wager by a pair of Atlantic City lifeguards has evolved into an open-water swimming event that normally draws some of the top endurance swimmers from around the world. It showcases the natural beauty of Absecon Island, the glitter of Atlantic City's casino-hotel skyline and the family atmosphere of the Downbeach communities. The endurance test is a novelty in a novel sport: It is the only race in the world that combines the elements of the open ocean, the warmer temperatures of the back bay and the tricky inlet currents. It also is the only one that gives each swimmer a lifeguard boat to follow, with a trainer providing replacement fluids and encouragement. "It's still known as the toughest swim in the world," said Giegerich, who served as a trainer for the last two winners of the race, Stephane Lecat of France and David Meca Medina of Spain. This year's swim is not on the FINA World Cup circuit, as it had been the last three years. Many of the top international swimmers - including defending champion Lecat, who set a course record of 6 hours, 54 minutes, last year - will not participate. That could give local swimmers, such as Atlantic City Beach Patrol member John Kenny, a better chance to win the race. Igor Majcen of Slovenia, who finished third in the 1999 marathon, is another strong favorite. Gail Rice of Florida, who has twice conquered the English Channel and won the Tampa Bay marathon in April, is the women's favorite. Wildwood lifeguard Cara Malandro is also expected to compete for the prize money after completing the race as an amateur last year. NOTE: The Around the Island Swim Committee is looking for volunteers to house swimmers this week. Call Chuck Eberson at 272-7005 for more information. |