Hong Kong cross-harbour swim returns after 33 years

Hong Kong's iconic cross-harbour swimming race made its return Sunday after a 33-year suspension forced by pollution and heavy traffic on the famous waterway. The annual race, a tradition dating back to 1906 which in its heyday attracted hundreds of swimmers to the city's famed Victoria Harbour, was halted in 1978 as water quality deteriorated. The event was revived this year due to popular demand, with organisers insisting the water had improved. A total of 1,000 swimmers took part in the 1.8 kilometre (1.1 mile) race amid a carnival atmosphere. They dashed between Hong Kong island and the Kowloon peninsula on a bright autumn day, with the winning time for the course 20 minutes and 34 seconds. "It's a meaningful event. It brings back a lot of memories for old Hong Kong people," said Ronnie Wong from the Hong Kong Amateur Swimming Association, a three-time champion of the race between 1967 and 1969. "A lot of people have been asking me when we can hold the race again," he said, adding that the association had to turn down nearly 500 applications as the field was capped. Environmental groups had warned before the race that there were still high levels of harmful bacteria including E.coli in the famous harbour. Some swimmers were worried about the water but others were convinced that as long as they did not swallow too much it would not be a problem. "I'm not worried about the quality of the water because it's more or less the same as swimming in the sea in other places," said office worker Chung Soo-kheng. But secondary school student Chu Kai-shing said: "I feel that the water is a little bit dirty, it should be improved. The water is a little bit smelly." Wong said that fluctuating water quality had improved in recent days in the eastern part of the harbour where the race is held, and that it was safe for the event to go ahead. And he said the association was considering opening the race to foreigners from next year, after drawing a big field of entries from swimmers young and old, plus a smattering of expatriates. "Once we open the entry to international participants, this will become a tourist attraction," he said. Other swimmers were concentrating less on pollution, and more on the majesty of their surroundings with towering skyscrapers on either shore and waters warm enough not to wear a wetsuit. "It is very special to swim in the Victoria Harbour. I didn’t participate in the cross harbour competition last time 33 years ago, so this time I feel very happy," said firefighter Li Chun-tung. Pollution -- air quality in particular -- is a major issue in Hong Kong, and critics say that as well as posing a health threat to its seven million population, dirty air is also driving away talented professionals.