In it’s 28th year the hundreds of swimmers pulled out all the stops embracing the event in Olympic-themed fancy dress. Fancy dress highlights included a group of Team GB Athletes who arrived in style in their very own London Double Decker Bus, Eddie the Eagle and the Team GB Equestrian team complete with their steeds.

In celebration of the London 2012 Olympic Games, the Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim was started with the lighting of an ‘Olympic Swim’ flame with a specially commissioned NYDS torch.  The NYDS torch started its official journey in London five weeks ago in the hands of Olympic Gold Medallist Darren Campbell.  Since then it has travelled to and toured Pembrokeshire, visiting towns such as Haverfordwest, Narberth, and Tenby.  The torch-bearer for the Olympic Swim was local Tri-athlete and Ironman Oliver Simon.  The torch was transported by jetski to the harbour’s lighthouse where it was used to ignite the ‘Olympic Swim’ flame.  A barrage of fireworks followed marking the start of the 2012 ‘Olympic’ New Year’s Day Swim and the mad dash into the icy-cold waters of Saundersfoot.

Onlookers were also treated to a visit from the Tenby’s RNLI Lifeboat - ‘Haydn Miller’.  

A record 1657 swimmers and thousands of spectators welcomed in the New ‘Olympic’ Year.

A few noteworthy 'special mentions' for the Group category:-

'Saundersfoot Relay Team', Howells family, from Saundersfoot, collecting for Cancer Research.

'GB Rowing Team', Booth family from Saundersfoot, collecting for Tenby Swifts Junior Rugby.

'GB Fencing Team', Cllr Phil Baker and friends, from Saundersfoot, collecting for various local charities.

'Olympic Celebration', pupils and staff from Saundersfoot Junior School, collecting to raise school funds.

'Hazels Olympic Gnomes' families from Oswestry and Saundersfoot, collecting for Severn Hospice and Latchworth.

'Greeks' from Nelson, collecting for Velindre and Trehafen.

'Olympic Podium', Harrison family, from Princes Gate.

'Where's Wally?', Slater, Pears and Mullins families, from Birmingham, collecting for Saundersfoot Festivities Association.

Individual Competition:-

Bronze medal: 'Cycling GB', Ross Llewellyn from Tenby, collecting for various local charities through '41 Club'.

Silver medal: 'Rebecca Adlington' Rod Haynes from Wiseman's Bridge, collecting for Cancer Research.

Gold medal and Olympic Swim Individual Champion: 'Olympic Torch', Nichola Prosser from Saundersfoot, collecting for Air Ambulance and Action for Children.

Group Competition:-

Bronze medal: 'British Equestrian Team' entered by Stepaside Coachworks, collecting for Diabetes UK.

Silver medal: 'Olympic Opening Ceremony' entered by Wogan Guest House, Saundersfoot, collecting for Meningitis Trust.

Gold medal and Olympic Swim Team Champions: 'Olympic Team GB Bus', entered by Malin House, Saundersfoot, collecting for Saundersfoot Football Club.

FANCY DRESS RESULTS

Group fancy dress winners, ‘Olympic Team GB Bus’

Local tri-athlete Oliver Simon

Chris Williams and John Joseph kept up their 100% swim record having taken part in all 28 swims

Saundersfoot Festivities Chairman Martyn Williams said, "Again we have exceeded expectations and have broken all records. Twenty eight years on and this event is getting bigger and better with thousands of pounds being raised for charity.  The people from Saundersfoot, the surrounding areas and even farther a field have come out in force to support this marvellous event".

All photographs courtesy of:

Click here to view the full length video of the 2012 “Olympic” New Years Day Swim