Liffey Swim winner ‘surprised’ as annual race becomes focal point of new Liffey Festival
Bruno Delmonte won the 106th annual Liffey Swim in Dublin, an event that has expanded into a broader city festival. Despite his victory, Delmonte expressed surprise at his win, noting that he did not consider himself the strongest swimmer in the race.
Why it matters
The Liffey Swim is a historic cultural event in Dublin, and its integration into a larger festival highlights the evolving nature of urban community sports.
“I am really surprised. There were better swimmers in this race than me,” Bruno Delmonte, winner of the men’s race in the 106th year of Dublin’s Liffey Swim , said on Saturday.
Cheering crowds lined the quays between Rory O’More Bridge and Custom House Quay, making the most of the sunshine, as the swimmers, visible only as a shoal of elbows, arms and hats, raced downriver.
In front of the Custom House, tables were placed across the temporarily pedestrianised road as merry-go-rounds, ice cream stalls, face painters and many colourfully dressed, marine-themed “animators”, some on stilts, some on roller skates, vied with each other for attention.
Olivia Octopus and Dan the Diver were among those who wandered among the crowds, posing for selfie pics with children.
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