The 2024 version of the Christmas Cup, in other words the crossing of the Oise, the 50th of its kind, saw the victory of a Maxipontin, Enzo Kazmierczak who reached the two banks in just 50 seconds.
The team cup is also won by Pont-Sainte-Maxence, the swimmers, the three best from each team, are, this year, from the rescue center of this city. An average of 55 seconds out of the top three.
A winner three seconds from the record
It must be said that in the absence of the title holder, Arnaud Fortane (record at 00:47.65), a young father and therefore busy giving birth, the attempts to snatch the title could be very legitimate. This year, there were 33 of them at the start to dive into water of barely 5 degrees. As usual, the organization is impeccable, security optimum, and the joint work between the firefighters, Voies navigables de France and the rescuers works perfectly.
Even the section president, Alexis Derache, immersed himself in this 5 degree water. He dove in “because he promised” but made it very clear “that he would do what he could”. He took a dive and already, many wouldn’t. He kept his word and she is respected.
Some train all year round, others more lightly and rely heavily on their current physical condition. The important thing is to get to the other side of the bank. A departure on the right bank for an arrival on the left bank. First the bucket of cold water which helps avoid thermal shock, then the dive, one objective: to reach the other edge of the bank. A difficult swim as the meters pass, the bite of the cold becoming more present. Avoid cramping at all costs. Some are paralyzed when they come out of the water and the help of the Oise rescuers who bring hot drinks and blankets is greatly appreciated. Recovered from their emotions after a fireworks display, it must be said, spectacular, came the awards ceremony at the Faïencerie. The opportunity for Sophie Lehner, elected mayor that same morning, to make it official for the first time as first magistrate. A pleasure that she did not shy away from, accustomed to this systematic presence for this unique sporting event of its kind in the department.
Note the performance of the first female, Enora Dubreuil, from the Oise Lifeguard Association in just 01:07.00. Also note a new prize requested by a former participant, Christophe Dietrich, mayor of Laigneville and department delegate to the Oise departmental fire rescue service. He wanted to create the prize for combativeness. “It seemed important to me to highlight the person who spends the most time in the water. I did it and I know seconds are long in this cold water. It’s a difficult test and I find it important to highlight the effort of the first, but also the last. It is not a question of putting one or the other in opposition but of highlighting the commitment to this Oise Cup,” explains the man who was a firefighter in another life. This year, it is Gladys Thomas who receives this prize for more than 2 minutes 30 spent in water at 5 degrees. She didn’t give up.
“Let us never forget that the primary role of this event is to prove that the Oise rescuers are capable of saving a person in difficult conditions. An event that all participants can be proud of,” concludes Steven Duval, departmental president of the Oise lifeguards.
Everyone promises, the 51st edition will be there. “The Creillois will try to regain the title,” promises the new mayor Sophie Dhoury Lehner.
