Race Director Michał Skrodzki provided a report on yesterday’s AWF Silesia Open Water Swim in Poland that included a children’s 0.5K race, a 1K, a 800-meter relay and the 3K AWF Katowice Vice Chancellor’s Cup.

“The race was a huge success and a great day to say the least. We are looking forward to next year already.”

150 swimmers braved the 18°C (64.4°F) Lake Pogoria III in Dabrowa Gornicza in southern Poland where Michal took care of details large and small – including the placement a giant television screen to provide live coverage for the fans on the beach that was also transmitted live online, a first for an open water event in Poland – and a rare occurence anywhere.

The 3K AWF Katowice Vice Chancellor’s Cup, Michal Kwiecien lead a 6-pack until Sylwester Borowicz-Skoneczny went to his legs about 300 meters from the finish and powered home to win in 38:08 and the 1000 PLN (€250) cash prize. Kwiecien finished second while 2008 Olympian Lukasz Giminski finished third.

The first woman was Natalia Charlos who led from start and finish to capture her 1000 PLN prize. Manuela Wikiel was second female with Marta Jankowska third. Natalia finished fourth overall and, like Sylwester, earned the right to represent Poland at the European Junior Open Water Championships in the Netherlands.


Additional photos here.



Copyright © 2010 by Steven Munatones