Big Shoulders 2001

LOOKING BACK - BIG SHOULDERS 2001: RACE DIRECTORS MESSAGE
Dear Big Shoulders Swimmers:

The 11th Annual Big Shoulders was nicknamed "2001: A Swim Odyssey," and for some of us it seemed to live up to the name both in preparing for the race, and in the water. But early morning thunderstorms failed to dampen the spirits or slow the speed of the swimmers who competed in the events. We have you, the Big Shoulders faithful, to thank for another banner year, with 289 people registering for the race and 270 completing one of the distances.

We also must acknowledge and thank the many volunteers who slogged through the puddles and dodged the raindrops to set up and clean up the race. Chris Alcott, Candace Cham and Sarah Crewe must be singled out for their hard work. As always, our irreplaceable co-sponsor, the Chicago Park District provided a fine life guarding crew. Thanks to all of our participants and our sponsors, we were able to raise over $6,400 to help support the Men's and Women's Swim Teams at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

2001 yielded another high caliber group of swimmers, with Richard Kramer regaining his crown as the fastest overall 5k swimmer, in a time of 1:00.46. Chicago Masters' own Brian O'Mara was second (1:01.32) and Patrick Elder was third (1:03.14) for the men. George Wendt continued his dominance in the 50-54 age group, winning in a time of 1:04.49. The women's field was equally impressive, with newcomer Jessica Martin (1:03.46) blowing away the competition, followed by Susie Rabiah (1:08.16) and Joy Storer (1:08.34). The complete results of Big Shoulders 2001 can be found here. In addition, the results and future updates on next year's race can be found on the internet at www.bigshoulders.org.

As always, we'll be back again next year. BIG SHOULDERS 2002, CHAPTER XII is tentatively scheduled for the Saturday after Labor Day, September 7, 2002. Hope to see you and your swimming friends at Ohio Street Beach for the race. Thanks for your participation in what we modestly term "the greatest open water swimming event in the Midwest."

Have a good year and we hope to see you for next year's race,

The Chicago Masters' Big Shoulders Swim
Organizing Committee

 

THANKS TO ALL THOSE WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE
2001 BIG SHOULDERS SWIM

 

 

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