Henry Winter showed that SJA members are as good as their word when he swam the Tyne on Sunday after losing a bet with Newcastle United’s owner Mike Ashley.
The Telegraph’s football correspondent, ahead of the Newcastle v Manchester United match, made the swim as a result of his prediction that that Newcastle manager Alan Pardew would not be a long-term appointment under Ashley.
Pardew has since signed an eight-year contract.
Winter sportingly honoured the wager, and used the occasion to raise money for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.
“I won’t be making any more predictions on Twitter for a while,” Winter admitted.
Winter swam the 150 metres with experienced open water competitor Tony Greener and said: “The first two-thirds were a doddle and I thought ‘this is OK, a nice gentle paddle across the Tyne. But then suddenly the current hit and it was like the fast lane of the motorway.
“I could actually feel myself being dragged along and I was fortunate to have an experienced swimmer alongside me in Tony Greener. In fact, at one point I think I grabbed Tony’s toe.”
Pardew left a message for Winter saying ““Henry, you’re a man of your word and congratulations.”
UPCOMING SJA EVENTS
Thu Dec 6: 2012 SJA British Sports Awards. An Olympic year extravaganza at the Tower of London. Click here for more details, news of members’ discounts and a booking form.