FIVE members of Aberystwyth and District Swimming Club ( ADASC) ventured recently to Tal y Llyn, in the foothills of Cadair Idris to take part in the Cool Mile – Milltir Oer.

For many of the ADASC team this was not their first time. Coach Helen Ovens had already inspired some of the senior swimmers to take part in this cold-water challenge previously.

Taking part and representing ADASC this time were coaches Helen Ovens and Andrew Filmer and senior swimmers Peni Macy (Penweddig), Elsa Finney (Penglais) and Gwennan Filmer (Penweddig).

The water temperature in the lake was a bracing 9 degrees and Storm Boelo was battering parts of the UK.

Nearly 40 swimmers took part in the biannual event, with some in wetsuits and others swimming in the skins category (no wetsuits).

Peni Macy swimming the Cool Mile
Peni Macy swimming the Cool Mile (ADASC)

The race started at 10.30am with winds aiding the swimmers towards the first buoy but battling against them on the way back.

Peni, Elsa and Gwennan swam in skins with coaches Helen and Andrew swimming in wetsuits.

Even in the challenging weather conditions and bitterly cold swimming conditions, all five swam confidently.

Gwennan was the first ADASC swimmer to complete the mile. This was her 3rd time swimming in the event and her first swimming in skins.

Gwennan Filmer turning for another lap in the Cool Mile
Gwennan Filmer turning for another lap in the Cool Mile (ADASC)

Even with the tricky conditions, she swam a fabulous PB in 25min and 20sec.

This great time resulted in her earning a 5th place overall and a 2nd place in the skins category.

Peni completed the cool mile in 31 minutes and 45 seconds in her fifth Cool Mile. She earned a 14th place overall and a 6th place in the skins category.

It was the first time for coach Andrew to compete at the Cool Mile. He swam brilliantly and earned an 18th place overall and a 12th place in the wetsuit category in a time of 33 minutes and 48 seconds.

Elsa was close behind in her third Cool Mile in a time of 34 minutes and 41 seconds with an overall 21st place and 8th place in the skins category. Helen completed her 10th Cool Mile with a wonderful time of 52min.

Coach Helen and senior swimmers Peni, Elsa and Gwennan will be representing ADASC in the Ice Swimming GB championships on 12-13 December at Atlantic College in South Wales.