ARTICLE FROM THE WEST WRITTEN BY CLAIRE TYRRELL
Photo by Simon Santi
Jono van Hazel’s days of early starts to stare at the black line at the bottom of the swimming pool feel like a lifetime ago.
The 39-year-old former Olympic swimmer now devotes his time to teaching his three young children how to swim. “Most chances I get it is with the kids in the splash pool, so I haven’t been in anything but waist-deep water for quite some time,” he said. This weekend van Hazel and his wife Anna are taking part in the North Cottesloe Splash ‘n’ Dash.
The family-friendly event ranges from a 150m swim and 500m run to a 1km swim and 1km
run, which can be done as a relay with two people. This year’s Splash ‘n’ Dash has attracted under-19 world aquathon champion Rahul Jegatheva, open water swimmer Jaime Bowler and Port to Pub founder Ceinwen Roberts.
Race director Kath Conway said the event, in its second year, had an emphasis on safety and fun. “We are all about getting everyone down to the beach — from competitive swimmers to young kids we hope can have a go, watch some inspiring professionals and embrace our open water swim culture,” she said.