Nope, it doesn't look like that's going to happen.
www.10kswimmer.com/.../correction-regarding-london-2012.html
I know the ocean would've been neat and more challenging, but the Serpentine will offer great spectator viewing like Beijing, but quite a bit colder. I was there this summer and -- admittedly being a cold-wimp from Arizona -- couldn't get myself to jump in without a wetsuit.
I'm just hoping I can swing it to be there in 4 years ... as a spectator. Assuming they get their transport and sports facilities up to par, London should be ideal for the Olympics ... even if you can't get into events, there's so much great to do there.
It is said by the organizing committee and The Serpentine Swim Club (www.serpentineswimmingclub.com) that the water may be around 60-62 degrees
That sounds right. I was there on a biz trip in June and had planned to swim with the club, but didn't want to
drag my wetsuit along with me, and/or
be seen as a pansy American with a wetsuit next to the hard core Serpentine swimmers -- check out their website for details of their swims in exceedingly cold water in the winter
I did go by the Serpentine on a walk and felt the water ... this will definitely take some acclimation for the 10K participants. However, while I agree that the UK team should be very well positioned, we've got enough time and enough cold-water swims in the US for our team to place even better. I'm really looking forward to open water swimming continuing to gain traction in the US.
It is said by the organizing committee and The Serpentine Swim Club (www.serpentineswimmingclub.com) that the water may be around 60-62 degrees F, that there may be tens of thousands of fans surrounding the lake. Aspiring Olympic 10K athletes are now preparing themselves to swimming in these brisk conditions as opposed to their preparations for Beijing when they faced usually warm water (80-82 degrees F). Due to Britain having 3 of the 6 Olympic 10K medalists in Beijing and the long history of swimming in the U.K., expectations are riding very high that the London 2012 organizing committee will be able to put on an amazing open water swimming showcase. In Beijing, the open water swimming community had to share a facility with the rowers and canoers. This will not be the case in London.
