It has almost become habitual for the ladies to come out on top of the annual Battle of the Sexes at the Drumheller Aquaplex.
Could the tide be changing? Could this be the year?
The Drumheller Aquaplex opened in 1976 and since 1978 has staged the battle of the sexes. The concept is simple, keep track of your lengths and at the end of the allotted time, may the best man…er…woman, win.
However, it appears the water might be flowing in the other direction.
Last year there were only 273 laps separating the men and the victors. Rumour says the gap could have been made up had John Sparling not missed a couple of evening dips. Maybe the men aren’t washed up after all.
This year’s competition started on February 6 and goes to February 20, and to much chagrin of the lady folk, the men are leading. That’s right, leading.
A tally after the first three days of competition have the men showing 4,727 laps completed, adding up to 118 kilometres. The women have completed 3,204 laps for 80 kilometres.
That is a 38-kilometre spread, that’s all the way to East Coulee and back, or four round trips to the Cool Castle.
It appears the men are showing some pride (as much pride as you can show in a Speedo) and might actually have a chance to wrest the trident from the poolside Poseidons.
Only time and lengths will tell.
