2017 Solo Swim of Ontario Unveiling Ceremony

On Sunday, November 12, 2017 Solo Swims of Ontario held their annual unveiling ceremony located at Queen's Royal Park on the shore of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada.   Elizabeth Fry and Pat Gallant-Charette were honored with their names engraved on a plaque.  This prestigious award recognizes all successful swimmers who swam from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Toronto's Marilyn Bell Park (32 miles).  Dr. Marilyn Korzekwa, President of the Solo Swims of Ontario, was the keynote speaker for this event.  Swimming legend Marilyn Bell DiLascio (80 years old) assisted with the unveiling.
Video credit:   Jean Murdoch-Gallant

2017 English Channel Swimming Association Dinner and Presentation

     My son Tom and I had a fabulous time at the English Channel Swimming Association Dinner and Presentation evening.   The CSA did an incredible job in hosting this gala event.   We greatly enjoyed meeting many of our old friends and making new friends, too.   It was a memorable fun-filled evening!
    Two hours before the dinner,  my son and I went to the Dover Museum to watch a documentary film on swimming legend Mercedes Gleitze.  It was a wonderful 45 minute movie of her prolific swim career.   It was a great honor to meet Mercedes' beautiful family.  I brought my favorite book on marathon swimming, "Wind, Waves, and Sunburn" for them to autograph.   I was unaware that I was to be the first recipient of the Mercedes Glietze Trophy presented later that evening.   Receiving the prestigious Mercedes Gleitze Trophy and O'Clee Trophy was the highlight of my swim career.  I raised these distinguished trophies in memory of my brothers Robbie and Johnny.  A special heartfelt thank you to the CSA, Mercedes' family, my family and friends, and Viking Princess boat crew.

Mercedes Gleitze Trophy

After receiving the Mercedes Gleitze Trophy for Female Pioneer Swim ,  Mercedes’  12 year old  great-granddaughter (striking resemblance of Mercedes) along with her family congratulated me as the first recipient of this prestigious award.  It was an incredible and overwhelming moment meeting her family.   Receiving this award was the highlight of my swim career.  Many years ago I read about Mercedes Gleitze and her incredible legacy.  I greatly admired her determination and spirit in promoting marathon swimming.  A special thank you to the Channel Swimming Association and Mercedes Gleitze’s family.

English Channel Swimming Association Award

On Saturday, November 4th, 2017 my son Tom and I attended the CSA Annual Dinner and Presentation ceremony held in England.  The CSA function was held at the historic Town Hall in Dover.   It was a grand event with swimmers, crew, boat pilots, guests, and CSA administrators in attendance.   I was awarded the O’Clee Jubilee Trophy for Oldest Successful Swimmer.  Also, I was surprised with another award named the Mercedes Gleitze Trophy for Female Pioneer swim.  Mercedes’ daughter presented me with the award.  I was deeply humbled and honored to receive this prestigious award.  Mercedes was a legend in the marathon swim world.  She was the first person to swim the Strait of Gibraltar and first woman from Britain to swim the English Channel.  She left an incredible legacy of not only a prolific swim career but outstanding contributions in helping the homeless.  I had the great honor of meeting her daughter, son, grandson, and great-granddaughter.
I want to thank my son Tom for his encouraging words many years ago to swim the Peaks to Portland in memory of my brother Robbie.  I raised both trophies in recognition of my brother Robbie and Johnny.  Many thanks to my husband for his unending love and support.  Thank you to my daughter for her endless positive words. A special thank you to my former crew for always being very supportive.

2017 WOWSA NOMINEES

The World Open Water Swimming Association (WOWSA) announced their nominees for Woman of the Year, Man of the Year,  Performance of the Year,  and Offering of the Year.  I am deeply humbled and honored to be nominated for “Woman of the Year” along with eleven amazing women.  Anyone can vote.  Please visit the attached link to vote.  If you have voted in prior years, you don’t need to register again....just type in your email address, password, and then vote.  If this is your first time voting, click on the link provided and simply register by typing your email address, creating a password and then vote.  Please read all nominations and vote today.  Voting will be held from November 1 to December 31, 2017.   The winner of each category will be announced on January 1, 2018.   Good luck to all nominees.http://dailynews.openwaterswimming.com/2017/10/world-open-water-swimming-woman-of-year.html?m=1