Olympian Swims For Dad In Kerry Ocean Classic
Illawarra Mercury
Friday December 12, 2008
OLYMPIC gold medallist Mark Kerry will take part in an annual ocean swimming event in Wollongong on Sunday, in memory of his father Jim.
Mark Kerry won gold at the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games in the 4x100m medley relay when he swam the backstroke leg, together with butterfly specialist Mark Tonelli, breaststroker Peter Evans and freestyler Neil Brooks, in one of the most memorable teams in Olympic history.The race was made even more famous by commentator Norman May's classic call as Brooks approached the wall on the final lap, "... five metres, four, three, two, one ... gold, gold to Australia! Gold!"North Wollongong Surf Life Saving Club will host the Jim Kerry Ocean Classic - a 1.2km swim from Wollongong Harbour to North Beach.The Ocean Classic is a fun event named in memory of the former North Wollongong Surf Life Saving Club stalwart who died aged 43 while swimming laps at the Continental Pool."Jim was a pillar of the local community and the surf-lifesaving fraternity," North Wollongong club captain John Wren said."Mark and his brother Phil, who were great surf lifesavers, will be swimming in this event in memory of their father."Registration for the swim will be at 9am at the North Wollongong Surf Club and the swim starts at 10.30am.Presentations will be made at North Wollongong Surf Club.For inquiries phone John Wren on 4229 7387.
© 2008 Illawarra Mercury