Unforgettable swims

This just in from Speedo…



A romance spanning six decades, a moment of solidarity at sea, and a magical end-of-an-era are among the stories of ‘Unforgettable Swims’ on a newly launched Speedo online community.



Giving likeminded lovers of swimming a forum to share real life stories about memorable swims, as well as providing inspiration for swims yet to come, the site, which can be accessed at unforgettableswims.speedo.com, is now looking for passionate swimmers to upload their memories of cherished moments in the water.



The site has launched with an initial 11 Unforgettable Swims, including that of Cyril and Yvonne Wood, for whom swimming has been an integral part of over six decades of marriage.



At the start of their relationship, Yvonne, already a keen swimmer, warned Cyril that he would need to take up swimming if the relationship was to last. Since then, the couple, now aged 88 and 87, have been regular competitors in cold water swimming at Tooting Bec Lido in South East London, UK, as well as regular participants in Saturday morning swimming in the city’s Hyde Park.



Speaking of his regular swims with Yvonne, Cyril says: “There’s nothing else like it in the world. I love being in the water with her. It makes you feel so free and keeps your body and mind fit. The day we give up swimming will be the day we give up all together.”



Unlike Cyril and Yvonne, Colin Hill usually goes solo on his long distance cold water swims. Therefore, it seems almost unusual that his unforgettable swim experience should come in warmer climes among new friends.



Whilst swimming across the Strait of Messina, the stretch of water between Sicily and mainland Italy, Colin was joined by inspirational tour guide Giovanni, together with a number of other swimmers, some taking part in their first ever long distance swim.



“I finished the 5km swim first but could see that a few of the group were getting tired and struggling as the tide swelled” said Colin. “So I got into my support boat and went out and joined them in the water. I swim alone so often, it was an amazing feeling to share the water with new friends.”



Danielle O’Byrne’s unforgettable swim came on the final night of a two year adventure in England after obtaining her degree. After taking a moonlit stroll to the beach with friends before her return to the USA, Danielle took to the water – and nothing could have prepared her for what she saw next: “We all looked down and noticed that the sea was glowing. There was phosphorescent plankton everywhere.



“All of us became silent, awed by the magic before us. I started to cry because it was something I’d wanted to see but had given up. To witness it on my last night in England was incredible.”



With the stories of Cyril and Yvonne, Colin and Danielle now live on the site alongside eight other inspirational tales, the search is on for more people whose lives have been enhanced by the water to add their stories to the website and share their passion for swimming.



Vice President of Product and Marketing at Speedo International, Sean Hastings, said:



“Speedo has had a love of the water for over 80 years, and our passion stretches from a child’s first splashes to a relaxing dip on holiday, a life-changing moment and everything in between.



“At Speedo we understand the benefits and magical moments swimming can help to create. We look forward to seeing the stories of our consumers unforgettable swims, which I am certain will prove to be hugely inspirational to anybody who visits the website”.



So, whether it’s a blissful moment of discovery, life-saving heroics or an unforgettable escapade of strength over adversity, go to unforgettableswims.speedo.com and share your love of swimming with the world!