Live from Cologne: Team Ohio wins two more medals in swimming

Live from Cologne reported by Julio Aponte, Cleveland

Tuesday, August 3, Todd Urban won the gold in the 100 Backstroke breaking an IGLA and Gay Games record. Julio Aponte won a bronze in the 800 freestyle and Scott Campea won silver in the 100 breastroke.

Swimmers from Ohio accumulated 2 more medals today in the 200 backstroke. Todd won silver, just 7 seconds slower that the new Gay Games record and Julio won a bronze.

Of personal interest, Ken Hearn, my host in Toronto at my first IGLA meet in 2001, won gold in the 200 backstroke breaking a Gay Games record. The gold is an addition to his 2 previous silver medals. He is in the 70-74 age group. He and his partner Martin have been together for over 30 years.

Another gold medalist, 81 years young, and his partner have been together for 54 years. They have lived in New York City almost all their lives.

The people from Cologne (Köln) have been great and everybody makes a point to tell us how happy they are seeing us here. The owner of the internet cafe I am using was really surprised that I was here in Köln just to participate in the Gay Games. Museums, the river and churches are very nice. It is a walk able and bike able city with great public transportation. Participants and volunteers have a pass on all public transportation.

Julio Aponte