SWIMMING

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3027, 14 March 1917, Page 9

SWIMMING

ENGLISH DISTANCE SWIMMER COMING TO WELLINGTON. During the visit of Mr. W. Lewis to Australia recently, he came in contact with many prominent swimmers. Whilst in Sydney ho met a Mr. Joseph D. Foster, a. well-known long-distance amateur swimming champion. Mi Foster, who hails from Oldham, Lancashire, England, has accomplished some remarkable ■ performances in long-dis-tance swimming. In 1911 lie was in training to swim the English Channel, but was forestalled by the English champion Burgess, who accomplished it on the day .Mr. Foster was successful in swimming Lake WinSermerc, England's largest lake, 13,} miles long. Mr. Foster was the first and only man to swim this, large lake. This was on September 2, 1911. In June, 1911, ho was also successful in swimming from tho Preston Docks, in Lancashire, to Victoria l'ier, a distance of 23V miles, doing the distance in 8i hours. He has been connected with the Oldham Swimming Club for over 25 years. Mr. Foster arrived in Sydney in' 1914, just prior to the outbreak of war. At the commencement of hostilities he immediately enlisted in the Engineer Corps, , and was sent to the Dardanelles. There he was wounded, and sent to Egypt, afterwards returning to Australia. Flc was for twelve months in the Randwick Military Hospital, and has now resumed his trade as a bricklayer. Since his advent In Australia he had joined the.Sydney Swimming Club. His son, in England, now 1G years old, had, up to two years ago, won over 3.1 prizes and several junior championships. Mr. Lewis having secured a position for Mr. Foster at his trade here, has received a letter from him intimating that he will arrive hern on March 19. lii his letter, Mr. Foster inquires of Mr. Lewis as to what prospects there arc- regarding long-distance swimming here. Mr. Lewis is of opinion that Mr. Foster will undoubtedly lake on a cross-harbour swim at the curliest opportunity.