The World Bog Snorkelling Championships

People from around the globe prepare to take the plunge

Believe it or not, people from all over the world are gathering in Wales, U.K., to swim through muddy water. Tomorrow is the World Bog Snorkelling Championships, an event held annually since 1985. In the past, participants have come from as far away as Australia and Japan. Competitors race to be the first to swim 110 meters through the dark, muddy water of a Welsh bog. They swim underwater and breathe through snorkels. Currently the world record is held by the U.K.'s Kirsty Johnson, who finished in 1 minute 22.56 seconds in 2014.

Competitors wear masks and fins, but wetsuits are optional. Many come in costume, and event organizers give a "fancy dress" prize for the best costume. Last year the prize went to two women who competed together as a "pantomime unicorn." The event is held on the outskirts of Llanwrtyd Wells with a shuttle bus to transport people. It features more than the competition: stalls sell food and drinks and crafts.

Swimming through a smelly bog may not sound pleasant, but the World Bog Snorkelling Championships prove that some people find it fun.


Language Lab
bog n.
an area of soft, wet land : marsh
- The region's central area is a large bog.
- Several rare species of frogs can be found in this bog.
- The man wore bog boots while fishing in the pond.

take the plunge /ˈplʌnʤ/
to do something after thinking about it especially for a long time
- After months of discussion, we decided to take the plunge and buy a house.
- The couple finally took the plunge and got married.

optional adj.
- Math and English are compulsory subjects, but music is optional.


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