One of the world’s top swimmers didn’t mind taking second place, in a friendly race with television presenter Ric Chapman.The 100-metre freestyle challenge between 51-year-old Mr Chapman and 26-year-old swimming champion Roy Allen Burch wasn’t over bragging rights, but to raise money in support of Mr Burch’s intensive training for the 2012 Olympic Games.The competition was organised during Mr Burch’s guest appearance on Mr Chapman’s game show, Songopoly.Yesterday’s race ended in a technical win for Mr Chapman, who was granted one second’s head start for each of his 25 years’ seniority to the athlete.That meant the amateur swimmer and creator of Songopoly was able to build up a lead of one-and-a-half laps before Mr Burch could even dive into the pool.Mr Chapman had promised to donate $100 to the Olympic hopeful’s fundraising drive if he emerged the winner.Supporters cheered at the Bermuda Amateur Swimming Association pool at Saltus as the lead narrowed Mr Burch came in at 52 seconds to Mr Chapman’s 65.“I should have made it a 20-second lead instead of 25 seconds, but I didn’t want to end up embarrassing myself,” Mr Chapman said afterward. “It’s all about giving it to Roy.“There’s no way somebody my age can cover that distance in 52 seconds. We’re talking about one of the top 40 swimmers in the world.”BASA President Tim Petty took in donations from supporters just before the 2.30pm race.“This race came out of the blue for us, and we have embraced it as a fantastic idea,” Mr Petty said. “Hopefully we can see more fundraising challenges like this.”Brendan Kemp donated $100 before the race.He said: “I’m here supporting Ric. Whoever wins today, it’s going for a good cause.”Another supporter threw in $50 for Mr Burch.The $100 donation from Songopoly will help further Mr Burch’s training in North Carolina.It’s all directed at next year’s games in London. For Mr Burch, that event represents the dream of a lifetime.“Right now I’m getting ready to go for the qualifying swim next month in Shanghai,” Mr Burch said after the swim. “I don’t mind losing today. It all helps me to get there.”The swimmer is visiting Bermuda for a week to spread the word about fundraising for the Olympics.Supporters will also be able to buy Roy Allen Burch T-shirts at this weekend’s national championships, where he will be swimming in the hope of setting another record.Asked how he planned to celebrate his victory, Mr Chapman said: “About a week ago I was invited by a Canadian film company to bring the reels for Songopoly to the National Film Festival that’s being held in Banff. I’ll be going this weekend.“The chance to try and sell a show made in Bermuda to one of the big networks NBC or CTV is going to be amazing. That’s my reward.”