As the Olympic Games ended in Beijing, the attention of the serious sports fan — and photographer Ben Stansall — moved to Llanwrytd Wells in Wales, for the World Bog Snorkelling Championships. Honest.
Muddy Waters
The Championships take place annually in August in the dense Waen Rhydd Peat bog on the southern outskirts of the smallest town in Britain: Llanwrytd Wells, in Powys, Wales.
Channel Vision
Competitors race along two lengths of a 60 yard trench cut through the peat bog, wearing snorkels and flippers but without using any conventional swimming strokes.
The Bog of the Future
There are several categories and classifications under which competitors race, including Men, Ladies, Junior and Local (men and women).
Beware of Imitations
Be careful not to confuse this event with the associated Mountain bike Bog Snorkelling Championship (where competitors ride through the bog on specially prepared mountain bikes), or the Bog Snorkelling Triathlon. These are easy mistakes to make.
Pole to Pole
Proceeds from the championships go to a local charity each year.
Wallow in the Hollow
The 1995 competition was canceled due to drought. Sadly, there was no such luck for this racer this year.
Turning the Tide
Organizers have scotched rumors that Michael Phelps will be competing in 2009. With all his gold medals around his neck.
Tools of the Trade
After racing, everything needs a good clean.
Preparing for Takeoff
The crowd gathers to witness another participant hurl herself into the dark, dirty waters.Photographs by Ben Stansall / AFP / Getty
