Is that really a young man swimming amongst the swans and moorhens? Indeed it is. He is Joerie Messelink, first-year student of Meteorology. He is swimming lengths in the murky pond to train for the Iron Man triathlon next summer. But also to make a statement. ‘People say the water in the Forum pond is of poor quality, but it is perfectly OK to swim in. I think it is nonsense that swimming here is banned at the moment. I have never been sent away, mind you.’
Training in the Forum pond
Students and staff walking or cycling over the Forum bridge do a double take.
![](https://www.resource-online.nl/app/uploads/2022/11/91667_fullimage_27-forumvijver-bdg_8986_49060eee_570x379.jpg)