I start each day by reading the global news of open water swimming. I love reading about marathon swimmers worldwide. It's exciting! It's thrilling! And, it's inspiration at its very best.
I thought it would be fun to let my friends know who has inspired me during the 2013 swim season. It was very difficult to decide who would be my number one pick for top male swim, top female swim, top supporter of open water swimming, and top host of marathon swimmers. But, here goes....
The # 1 male swim of the year goes to Fergal Somerville of Dublin, Ireland. Fergal set a record for the earliest solo swim of the North Channel between Ireland and Scotland. He completed his grueling swim on June 16 in a time of 12 hours and 21 minutes. Water temperature was on average 49 F. degrees. He set the record for oldest swimmer at the age of 49. Fergal's swim was determination at its very best.
The # 1 female swim of the year goes to Wendy Trehiou from the island of Jersey. She completed an epic two-way crossing of the English Channel in 39 hours. Wendy was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011. Shortly after her diagnosis, she underwent radiation and chemotherapy. After completion of her treatment, she was medically cleared to resume her marathon swim training. I was awe- struck with Wendy's inspirational swim.
The # 1 relay swim goes to the Bering Strait swim relay team. Swimmers were from several countries. Their swim started from Siberia, Russia and finished in Alaska, USA. They swam in near-freezing water and treacherous conditions for three days. It was absolutely exciting and thrilling to watch their day by day progress in the Bering Strait. The relay team exhibited great strength, superb team work, and perseverance.
The # 1 supporter of Open Water Swimming goes to Steven Munatones. Steven supports swimmers of all levels in swimming. His passion of our sport is legendary. Steven's drive and determination to boost open water swimming is to be commended. Steve has inspired swimmers to go beyond the shoreline and pursue an adventure of a lifetime. (He inspired me to attempt the Oceans Seven that he founded).
The # 1 host to swimmers goes to David and Evelyn Frantzeskou of Varne Ridge Channel Swim Park in England. Their caravan park offers a wonderful community of support for channel swimmers. Their unending words of encouragement and support for all swimmers is to be applauded.
And finally, I am asking all friends and visitors to my blog to go to the website: World Open Water Swimming Association worldopenwaterswimmingassociation.com/vote-here and read all nominations for the 2013 global swim awards. I know you will be inspired by their contributions in the marathon swim world. And, vote for your favorite nominee in four categories. Thank you.
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