Stephen Redmond a man of courage.

After swimming thirteen hours in Japan's Tsugaru Strait, Stephen Redmond's second swim attempt was stopped due to strong currents pushing him off course. He was bidding to become the first person in history to swim the Oceans' Seven Challenge.   Stephen is a man of great courage and strength.  The agony of defeat dealt by Mother Nature is felt by all.   However, with Stephen's great determination, he will return and become victorious.  As of this morning, no announcement has been made of his plans for his next attempt.   

Go Steve!

Ireland's marathon swimmer Steven Redmond has been given a second chance to swim Tsugaru Strait today.  The weather forecast is good for the beginning of his swim but then it worsens.  If the Japanese Coast Guard and the Tsugaru Strait Swim Association official decide that winds are treacherous, the swim is stopped.  Safety is the number one concern for swimmer and crew.  I'm sending positive thoughts to Japan for calm conditions.  I want Steve to become the first person in history to complete the epic Oceans' Seven Challenge. And, now it's nail biting time for everyone tracking his progress.  Go Steve!

Heart breaker for Steve Redmond

It was a heartbreaking attempt of Japan's Tsugaru Strait by Ireland's Steve Redmond.  After several hours of swimming and still feeling strong, weather conditions deteriorated and his swim was stopped.  Safety of swimmer and crew is always a priority. Weather will always dictate the outcome of a swim.  Steve was attempting his final challenge of the Oceans' Seven to become the first person in history to accomplish this mighty feat. Once the weather improves, I'm hoping  Steve will have the opportunity to attempt the Strait again.  I know that he can do it and the world does too.  Go Steve!

Tsugaru Strait Swim

In less than three month I will be swimming the Tsugaru Strait in Japan. I will start my swim from Honshu (mainland of Japan) and finish in Hokkaido (an island north on Honshu). It's a distance of 12 miles.  However, strong currents and headwinds may increase the distance covered to 20 miles. I'm hoping to finish with a time between 10 to 14 hours (or less) and to set a world record for the oldest person to swim it at the age of 61.   My training is going very well...I'm currently swimming 5 days a week.  And, YES, I am still working as a nurse and helping to care for my three young grandchildren ages 4 years, 20 months and 4 months.    Next week, I will be extending my training schedule to include some very long swims of 5+ hours in a day to prepare for my Tsugaru swim. Crew training will be starting soon.  I am very pleased to have my good friends Yoko Aoshima and Pat Whitney as my crew. And, as always my husband and children are very supportive of my swim adventures.  Looking forward to a great time in Japan.