Birkirkara St. Joseph’s long distance swimmer Keith Bartolo (photo) has returned from the UK following his successful participation in the 17-kilometre Lake Windermere Open Water Swim. Bartolo qualified for this race after having successfully completed the 13-kilometre Torbay swim.

Besides being the longest swim in England, the Lake Windermere is one of the toughest open water events in Europe.

Thirty-four long distance swimmers started the race in favourable conditions, the water slightly choppy with a temperature of 16 degrees Celsius.

The Birkirkara swimmer’s performance was a strong one from the start, covering the 17 kilometres in five hours 41 minutes, finishing seventh overall.

With a couple of positive results now under his belt, Bartolo is planning more races next year, now that the local open water swimming season has come to an end.