St Cross Emeritus Fellow claims third place in iconic Peter Pan Cup

St Cross College congratulates Emeritus Fellow and Dean of Degrees, Professor Stanley Ulijaszek, on his impressive third-place finish in the 2024 Peter Pan Cup, the historic Christmas Day race hosted by the Serpentine Swimming Club in Hyde Park, London. 

The Serpentine Swimming Club, founded in 1864, is one of the oldest open-water swimming clubs in the world, with members braving the Serpentine’s chilly waters year-round. The Christmas Day race has been held annually since the Club’s inception, becoming one of London’s most cherished sporting traditions. In 1903, the event was renamed the Peter Pan Cup after author J.M. Barrie, a keen supporter of the Club, donated the first official trophy. Since then, the invitation-only race has maintained its prestigious status, with entry limited to experienced members who have participated in qualifying races throughout the year. 

Reflecting on the experience, Stanley described the moment of stepping up to the starting board amid the festive yet intense atmosphere: 

“An iconic race. The excitement is disrupted by the shrill pierce of bagpipes, minds now channelled to swimming. A line emerges from this gleeful chaos – swimmers standing skin to skin, ready to be led out to the starting board.” 

With 81 competitors lined up, Stanley took the plunge into the seven-degree water, keeping his head down and powering towards the finish.  

“A moment’s terror. Then a plunge into seven-degree water, and doing what comes naturally – swimming a hundred yards in more-or-less a straight line to the finish. I look up about ten yards from the end to see clear water – no one in front of me. One yard from the end, two speed merchants take the Cup and second place.” 

The race concluded with enthusiastic applause from the crowd and media cameras capturing the moment for news outlets worldwide.  

“Cheers, applause, hugging and back-slapping, the moment at the end is the making of this race, all in it together. I am honoured to be on the podium in distinguished swimming company, and bring that honour to St Cross College this year.”

St Cross College is delighted to share Stanley’s achievement in this historic event and celebrates his success in one of London’s most enduring and iconic sporting traditions.