‘This year marks a big milestone for the INF, celebrating 50 years, and boy did Team BN rise to the occasion, with a team of 12 swimmers, aged 10 to 73,’ writes BN Sports Officer, Ian Munt.
Team BN flew in to Belgrade in force from Luton and were escorted by Goran Filipović Fića (President of Naturist Organisation of Serbia (NOS)) to our hotel which was only 30 minutes away. An early night followed dinner.
60 athletes from eight nations congregated after breakfast, pleasantly smiling and greeting each other, though doubtless eyeing each other up looking for weaknesses. After a wonderful 20-minute walk alongside the Danube which shrouded in a wonderful mist, we arrived at our venue, a superb 50-metre pool, exclusively ours for the day.
After an opening ceremony by the INF and NOS we were introduced to the 12 officials and judges from the Serbian Swimming association.
…and the event began; we cheered loudly and Team BN scooped its first Gold Medal won by Isla, the youngest competitor at the gala. 12 events and 28 heats later team BN had hauled in 16 Gold, nine Silver and four Bronze medals. Sadly we did not have enough female swimmers to enable us to field a team for the relays but in the spirit of the games we put a team together to make up the numbers in the pool which was received positively.
After lunch (which was enjoyed poolside) and the medal ceremony, the pool was opened for us to have a leisurely swim. I did a 50 metre breast stroke just to see if I could (I made it eventually)!
Back at the hotel after another walk by the Danube, most of us relaxed in the hotel’s spa where we were permitted to use the facilities naked. The sauna and steam room were a welcome stop before the Gala dinner.
The only attire required for the fantastic buffet dinner was a towel and a pair of flipflops after which the President of NOS and the INF began the prize giving ceremony. Each nation received a poster as a memento of the 50th INF Swimming Gala and then it came down to the trophies. I am proud to say that Team GB came second overall - a huge well done to all the swimmers who put up a valiant fight. There was dancing, and the wine flowed in a friendly atmosphere.
The following morning, we were treated to a guided tour of Serbia by the NOS president who had an incredible knowledge of Serbia’s History. From 14th Century castles to a 21st century shopping mall, he gave us a fantastic tour. It was an incredible weekend hosted by a wonderful country and federation.
If you enjoy swimming and you would like to Swim for Team BN all you need to do is take part in the BN National Swimming Gala which will be held in May 2023, keep an eye out for details. Any questions you have please contact me by email sports@bn.org.uk or @Ian_and_Sharon via the members area of the website.