Downstream

the day. By 1966, however,
increasing costs meant there
were only a couple of safety
boats for the entire race. ‘We
swam in costumes only,’
remembers Derek Harris, ‘no
wetsuit, goggles, earplugs,
swim hat. The speed of the
river’s flow had a major
effect on race times. I seem to
remember winning one year
in less than thirty minutes. As
for preparation and training,
there really was none for me,