Policewoman Claire Thorn dives in to swimming challenge
A BIRMINGHAM policewoman took the plunge against UK’s Olympic open water swimming medalists for one of her biggest challenges after being pushed on by a bit of sibling rivalry.
Sgt Claire Thorn dived into the cold waters of Cumbria’s Lake Windermere on Saturday for the inaugural mile-long Great North Swim which attracted 2,200 competitors.
She lined-up alongside some of the country’s Bejing winners including Kerri-Ann Payne and Cassie Patten who won silver and bronze in the Olympic 10km open water swim marathon.
Despite the daunting challenge, Claire said she wasn’t fazed by the medal winning line-up.
The 37-year-old, from Sutton Coldfield, admitted to being persuaded to take part by older brother Mark, a keen swimmer who trained as a youngster with British Olympian Mark Foster.
Claire, who has been swimming since aged ten, said: “I could’t let Mark beat me. I think I beat him.
“My mother has offered a cash incentive for him to finish ahead of me, so that made me even more determined, although he deserves it really.”
The elite women’s raced was won by Cassie Patten in 18 minutes 21 seconds, closely followed by teammate Keri-Anne in a sensational photo finish. Claire finished 11th in a time of 21 minutes and 51 seconds.
She said: “It was a great experience swimming with the Olympians. I think I kept up with them for the first few metres.
“I was a bit concerned that I would be lagging a long way behind and would be last, but there were a good few behind me so I’m pleased about that.”
As the manager of the GB Police swimming team, Claire has taken part in the World Police & Fire Games, bringing together emergency services from across the globe.
Last year Claire won a silver medal in the GB Long Course (800m) Swim in Manchester.
