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Swimmers brave the cold for Christmas Day dip |
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Friday, December 25, 2009 9:50:00 AM |
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LONDON: Dozens of swimmers kept up their annual tradition on Friday by bravely plunging into London's icy cold waters.
Every Christmas morning for the last 145 years, club members of the Serpentine Swimming Club have raced in Hyde Park's Serpentine Lake in central London.
The swimmers ranged from the enthusiastic, who dived in without hesitation, to the more cautious, who gingerly eased themselves in.
One swimmer said the water was so cold he could barely feel his hands and feet after completing the race.
"I feel like I'm walking on stumps," he said before quickly adding, that it was "brilliant."
The Serpentine's first race was held in 1864, and was founded by 'Peter Pan' author J M Barrie.
Ever since, members have braved the cold on Christmas Day, sometimes even having to break through ice, to keep the tradition alive.
After the race, club members observed another tradition - by warming up with brandy and mulled wine. AGENCIES
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