The man who devised the World Bog Snorkelling Championship has braved the event himself for the first time.
More than 150 hardy sportsmen and women braved the wind, rain and mud to take part in what has become a bank holiday ritual in Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys. Now after more than two decades of the muddy challenge, its creator Gordon Green, 74, took part. He wore flippers and a mask – but no wetsuit – to do two lengths of the 60-yard bog trench in about five minutes. “You have to swim but actually that takes the form of a doggy paddle in a snorkel, mask and flippers,” said his wife, Diana Green, 66. “Some people also wear a wetsuit but Gordon was more macho and decided against that. He did it in about five minutes.” She added: “He tried to get me to take part as well but there is no way I would do it myself. I’m emphatic about that.
“I enjoy my swimming, but in nice warm, clean water.”