69 brave Three Kings swimmers
Created: 01/09/2023, 10:00 am
Intrepidly into the cold water: The Dreikönigsschwimmer in the Wörther Weiher had torches with them again.
The audience applauded.
© Cornfine
The winter swimming fans had to wait three years, but now the time had come: the popular Epiphany Swimming by Trisport Erding celebrated its comeback.
Actually, it should be smaller, more contemplative than in the years before Corona - but the fans didn't allow that.
Significantly more participants than in the last edition, 69 in number, ventured into the depths of the Wörther Weiher.
It was already the 14th edition.
Wörth – Even if the air temperature seemed quite mild at around ten degrees, it took a lot of effort for some people to get into the cool water when the sun was setting, despite the warm-up run.
But the admiring applause of the spectators and the idyllic image of the torch swimmers left nobody standing on the shore, everyone managed to dive up to their necks in the water, at least for a moment.
Some even took winter swimming literally and, equipped with swimming caps and swimming goggles, actually did a few lengths in the lake.
After five minutes and with a common countdown, the caravan pulled back on land to quickly warm up again with a well-deserved mulled wine.
The short dip has numerous positive health effects for the body, but the swimmers also did something for a good cause.
Trisport Erding eV waived a participation fee for the Dreikönigsschwimmen, but asked the participants for a voluntary donation.
More than 370 euros were collected, which go to the bridge in Erding - for social projects for young people.
Co-initiator Winfried Kretschmer drew a positive balance.
“It was a lot of fun and the organization was very relaxed this time, especially because many club members supported us.
And the cooperation with the water rescue service in Wörth and the community was also friendly and smooth.”
“We are very happy about the great response.
We are of the opinion that maybe because of Corona people have turned to such nature sports," said Martin Schönfelder, sports director of Trisport.
After all, cold bathing has a tradition that goes back thousands of years.
Caroline Cornfine
