In the balmy air of the Gore Aquatic Centre, around 40 onlookers sat on the wooden bleachers to watch Mr Bell go up against some pool regulars and a confident reporter at their Splash ‘n’ Dash charity event.
Entry was a gold coin donation and proceeds went to Hato Hone St John.
The first race was a fun lap between members of local swim team, the Shark Squad.
The second, most anticipated race featured the Mr Bell, Mr Doppenberg and elite swimmers Marlin and Bryan Bennett.
The younger of the two Bennett brothers had a bit of a false start belly flopping into the pool in a way that may have been intended to give his more amateur competitors a head start.
Mr Doppenberg came in third place at 31.32sec, which showed all his training with the centre’s instructor Meagan McCabe had paid off.
Kazia Grant came in fourth with a time of 33.03sec and the Mr Bell brought up the rear with a time of 36.90sec.
After the race, Mr Doppenberg said he felt tired, that swimming was very hard and he could not have placed where he did without the help and support of the centre’s facilities and instructors.
Bryan said he was just happy he beat his brother.
The event raised $200.
