Live from Cologne: the last swimming events of the Gay Games

Live from Cologne report by Julio Aponte, Cleveland

On Friday at 6 pm, Pink Flamingo was a great hit. 4 great, fun, gay and campy competitors had fun entertaining us.

Paris Aquatique, the very large French team, had great costumes and swimmers in the water and 3 sides of the pool. They were well choreographed and with many costume changes. They put the final touch with a "train" and big sign that read PARIS LOVES KÖLN.

From 9:00 am to 2:30 pm, the last event of the competition took place - the 1500 meters freestyle. It takes about 22 to 49 minutes to complete. I did not participate. I had my 5 swim events, the limit of events allowed per participant. My friend from San Francisco Tsunami got the gold in my category, 65-69, with an IGLA and Gay Games record. The only Ohio Swimmer participating Friday was Corey Beck. He received a well deserved bronze medal.

Each Ohio Swimmer had a medal with a total of 4 golds, 4 silvers and 4 bronze medals - a great achievment for only five swimmers. We are planning more intensive coached sessions. We can see the posibility of improvment and it is so much FUN.

Julio Aponte