What kind of landmarks are the Olympics going to see during the marathon swimming races in the Serpentine?
Unlike other open water races, the swimmers will hear, see and feel a crush of humanity, the pressure of tens of thousands of spectators ringing the compact course. Never before have open water swimmers been faced with swimming in a fish bowl the size of the Serpentine with all eyes gazing upon them.
Looking down the lake from Serpentine Bridge, the swimmers can glimpse the Houses of Parliament. Buckingham Palace is a bit lower down, but they will not be able to see the royal residence from the water. The turn buoys they will see will be the biggest, coolest elements on the lake with bright Olympic logos
“They will be able to see people…lots of people around the lake…in one of the most accessible 10km events for spectators ever, never mind the Olympics,” explains Colin Hill, H2Open Magazine’s Ambassador of the Year and Marathon Swimming Technical Operations Manager for Olympic 10km Marathon Swim. “With one area set aside for ticketed spectators, the rest of the lake is free to view. It’s in the heart of London close to Buckingham Palace with good underground access such as Knightsbridge & Hyde Park Corner.”
He adds, “Of course the swimmers are not the first ones to swim in the Lake created by King George II for Queen Caroline. The Serpentine Swimming Club have been going since strong 1864.”
And so will the Olympic marathon swimmers on August 9th (women) and 10th (men).
Note: Water temperature in the Serpentine today is 20°C (68°F).
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