It was a close contest that leaves the men of Drumheller to listen to a year of gloating.
The ladies have beaten the gents in the 2012 Battle of the Sexes competition. The men had won their first victory last year and raised the bar for the ladies.
“Oh yeah, I wanted to win this year,” said Audrey DeBona, who did an impressive 700 lengths.
Last week, the competition heated up. The men were behind, but catching up. Alas, it was not meant to be this year.
“We were trying, but there was one day when the ladies swam 1000 lengths and us 400,” said Tyson Anderson. “That’s when they won. Next year we’ll get them.”
In the end, the ladies won with 14,538 (363 km) compared to the 13,144 (329 km) swam by the men, a difference of 1394 (34 km) lengths.
The number of participants for the ladies was up this year. The ladies had an army of 69, up by six from last year, whereas the men were the same with 51.
It was this difference that was the deciding factor.
“They won it, they deserve the victory. We were pretty close, but we had a couple of swimmers who were away,” said John Sparling “Statistically, we could have won it, but numbers count and they’ve got them.”
“I’m glad to see such a great turnout. The new ladies definitely tipped the scales in our favour,” said Bev Cole. “I really hope we attract more men and women next year.”
There was one lucky gent though. David Lloyd, who swam the maximum 700 lengths in the competition, was the recipient of the free three month pass. For the ladies, Shelly Blanchett won the three month pass.
The swimmers who made the herculean effort to swim 700 lengths were, for the ladies, Cole, DeBona, Ann Wade, and Eileen Woods.
For the men, Duane Bolin, Dave Eberth, Lloyd, Bink Losoncy, Sparling, Morgan Syversten, Scott Toews, and Mike Yavis.
Sadly, Terry Bilson, who had participated for many years, passed away during the competition. In his memory, friends completed his 700 lengths.
“He was a great guy and we’ll miss him,” said Sparling.
The men are ready to take back the championship next year.
“We’ll be back and we’re going to take it next year,” said Sparling. “Ladies, savour the victory while you can.”
