This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/wales/6910272.stm

The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Brothers in swim race 50 years on Brothers' swim feat, 50 years on
(about 17 hours later)
Two brothers from the Rhondda who each won a swimming race across the Menai Straits 50 years ago are preparing to take part in it again. Two brothers from the Rhondda who each won a mile-long swimming race across the Menai Strait in the 1950s have matched or improved their records.
Gwyn Thomas, 72, won the mile-long race from Anglesey to Caernarfon in 1956 after taking part "by chance". Gwyn Thomas, 72, won it in 1956, and the next year younger brother Garfield not only did the same, but won it three years running, and broke the record.
The next year, his younger brother Garfield took part, winning it two years running and breaking the record. Now Gwyn has achieved his aim of completing the Anglesey to Caernarfon race in the same time as in 1956.
The 67-year-old has been training by swimming in Porthcawl Bay, but said the water in north Wales seemed colder. And Garfield, 67, beat his previous best time by two-and-a-half minutes.
The brothers explained they had always been into swimming in a "big way", training at Darren park in the Rhondda during their youth. This year's race saw Garfield come 7th, recording a time of 27:14. That compared with his previous fastest swim of 29:48 in 1958, a record which lasted for 21 years.
He sort of challenged me to take part, of course, it's difficult to avoid a challenge like that when you're from the Rhondda Gwyn Thomas While Gwyn came last, he recorded a time of 37 mins, the same as his 1956 win.
The Menai Strait Swim was first held in 1955 and continued for a few years before it was stopped.
After a brief reprisal in the 1980s, it was brought to life again in 1999 by the Arfon Masters Swimming Club.
He sort of challenged me to take part. Of course, it's difficult to avoid a challenge like that when you're from the Rhondda Gwyn Thomas
It has been held every year since, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2005.
Entries are restricted to 24 swimmers each year, as the numbers are kept down so that kayaks can accompany each swimmer.
Both Gwyn and Garfield are well known on swimming circuits, along with their brother Cyril.
Garfield had been training by swimming in Porthcawl Bay in south Wales but said the water in the north seemed colder.
The brothers explained they had always been into swimming in a "big way", training at Darren Park in the Rhondda during their youth.
But it was on a visit to his wife's family in Caernarfon that Gwyn, then aged 20, became involved in the north Wales race.But it was on a visit to his wife's family in Caernarfon that Gwyn, then aged 20, became involved in the north Wales race.
He said his wife's father, who was "quite a character" was involved in assisting with the race. He said his wife's father, who was "quite a character", was involved in assisting with the race.
He said: "Of course, here I come from south Wales, and from a university, and he (his wife's father) said, 'You people, you don't know anything about swimming in the real sea like we do'.He said: "Of course, here I come from south Wales, and from a university, and he (his wife's father) said, 'You people, you don't know anything about swimming in the real sea like we do'.
"He sort of challenged me to take part, of course, it's difficult to avoid a challenge like that when you're from the Rhondda." 'Swim and gym'
Despite the "big waves" and the fact he swum the course in a "big curve", Gwyn went on to win the race. "He sort of challenged me to take part. Of course, it's difficult to avoid a challenge like that when you're from the Rhondda."
In 1957, Gwyn helped Garfield, then aged 17, to scoop first prize and break the record in a "marvellous time". The race was held for the first time in 1955 Despite the "big waves" and although he swam the course in a "big curve", Gwyn went on to win the race.
In 1957, Gwyn helped Garfield, then aged 17, to scoop first prize and break the record in a "marvellous time".
Garfield said: "I think the conditions were much better for me, and Gwyn made a point of getting in the boat and protecting me, if you like, and making sure I went the right way."Garfield said: "I think the conditions were much better for me, and Gwyn made a point of getting in the boat and protecting me, if you like, and making sure I went the right way."
Both Gwyn and Garfield are well-known on swimming circuits, along with their brother Cyril. After the race, the pair were pleased with their results.
Gwyn said he was aiming to complete the race on Sunday in the same time as he did in 1956. Garfield said: "I try and keep the body going, I go to gym twice a week and swim at least twice a week and often three times a week and try and keep a good regime of diet and food."
"When I did it first, I went in a big looping curve, I didn't really go straight across, so my theory is if I go straight across it could help me," he said. Gwyn said: "I was very pleased to get across. I came a gallant 19th out of 19. This time I was able to get across in a more reasonable direction."
Garfield added: "I've been training in Porthcawl across the bay swimming, but I did find that yesterday the temperature here did appear to be a couple of degrees colder."
The annual event was first held in 1955 and continued for a few years before it was stopped.
There are the odd jellyfish and things you have to avoid, and a few sand banks as well Charles Bishop, race organiser
After a brief reprisal in the 1980s, it was brought to life again in 1999 by the Arfon Masters Swimming Club.
It has been held every year since, celebrating its fiftieth anniversary in 2005.
Entrants are restricted to 24 swimmers each year, as the numbers are kept down so that kayaks can accompany each swimmer.
One of the organisers, Charles Bishop from Abergwyngregin near Llanfairfechan, said the winner usually completed the race in around 24 minutes, depending on the conditions.
'Odd jellyfish'
Mr Bishop said the race was "fairly serious" and how hard-going it was depended on the conditions.
He said: "It looks very good this year. As long as it's calm, a bit of rain doesn't matter.
"There are the odd jellyfish and things you have to avoid, and a few sand banks as well.
"It is a fun event but obviously people have to train for it," he added.