In 1998. in Casablanca, there were 2500 swimmers. In Munich there are almost three times as many. While nobody knows exactly when their turn will come, the swimming pool works as an overfull railway station forecourt when there is a strike. Everywhere the waiting people are lying on the stone flags, rolled up together, sleeping, head on sports bag. One Japanese has stretched himself out.
Children wail, get lost, are found again, cry again.
In 2 minutes 28. Today he needs 3 minutes 28. Ivan von Trompowsky, retired airforce pilot, has travelled from Rio de Janeiro. Above all, he has met up in Munich with children and uncles who live in London. The World Masters functions like an international swimming day.