Pat's Channel Swim

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Strait of Gibraltar Swim Association.....New Records

Rafael Gutierrez, President of the Strait of Gibraltar Swim Association (ACNEG), announced last week that starting in 2011, records for age categories will be established. This is exciting news for all marathon swimmers worldwide. It's been long overdue that swimmers should be recognized for their achievements in their designated age groups. I hope that other swim organizations will start to follow his leadership. Currently most of the major marathon swims throughout the world have records for the fastest man /woman and oldest man/woman and don't acknowledge age group records. Marathon swimming is becoming more popular every year and most athletes enjoy comparing their swim times to others in their age group. Rafael has the positive insight to move this sport forward. I would highly recommend for any marathon swimmer to attempt swimming the Strait of Gibraltar with ACNEG ...... Rafael and his crew are very dedicated to this sport and they make every attempt for a swimmer to be successful in their crossing. Thank you Rafael for adding these new record categories.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Congratulations Steven Munatones

Great news travels fast! Steven Munatones received the prestigious award "2011 Irving Davids / Captain Roger Wheeler Memorial Award" presented by the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame. This award was established many years ago to honor and recognize those who have made major contributions to marathon swimming. The Hall of Fame selected him because he is one of the finest individuals in this field. And he has become a world leader in marathon swimming. Steven is an accomplished marathon swimmer. Also, he coached for several years for the USA Swimming national open water swim teams. His websites, "Daily News of Open Water Swimming", "The Water is Open", and "Open Water Source" are the most comprehensive websites that I have visited. The list of his distinguished accomplishments is remarkable....I'm in awe. In addition, Steven has acknowledge marathon swimmers of all ages and not just the elite. His love of the sport is very evident. He deserves this special honor for all the hard work he has done. He has brought marathon swimming to a new level....... Well done, Steve! Congratulations!!!!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Impact of Mother Nature

Years ago when I started training for my very first marathon swim, I never thought that "Mother Nature" could possibly have a major influence in the outcome of a swim. After all, I trained very hard and my swim started with near "perfect" weather conditions......what could go wrong? I quickly learned that I was a bit naive. I thought that if I focused on taking "one stroke at a time" I would eventually reach the finish line..... I was wrong. In my 2008 English Channel attempt, "Mother Nature" provided very strong currents off the coast of France....my swim ended 1.7 miles from France. It was very disappointing not to complete that swim. I later learned that many well known marathon swimmers such as Penny Palfrey, Allison Streeter, Julie Bradshaw, Ned Denison, ....all have one thing in common....they had to abort a swim due to "Mother Nature", too. At the beginning of a swim, weather conditions can be perfect and suddenly turn to very treacherous seas. Safety of swimmer and crew is a priority. They learned from their experience and planned for another day. On their return, they succeeded in finishing their swim. My return to England in 2009 I saw the wrath of Mother Nature again.....and returned to Maine without a swim. Again, disappointed but I learned from my previous experience not to get discouraged. I plan to attempt the English Channel in August of 2011. When I swam the Strait of Gibraltar earlier this year, Mother Nature gave me a "big" surprise....wind, current and tides in my favor. I expected to finish my swim in about six and half hours but much to my surprise I set the new U.S. Woman's record with a time of 3 hours and 28 minutes. Again, another learning experience ...Mother Nature can sometimes have a positive impact on the outcome of a swim. If you are planning a marathon swim, prepare that "Mother Nature" may possibly decide the outcome of your swim. And realize that many of the world famous marathon swimmers had to abort a swim and attempt it another day. So, good luck with your training and hope that Mother Nature will be on your side.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Tragedy strikes again....

By now every swimmer in the world has heard about the tragic death of 26 year old, Olympic hopeful, Fran Crippen. This morning CNN reported that preliminary test revealed that Fran suffered a heart attack (October 25 CNN retracted their statement of "heart attack" and waiting for further test results ) while competing in the FINA 10-kilometer Marathon Swimming World Cup in the United Arab Emirates I was deeply saddened when I heard about his death. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. It brought back very painful memories of my brother Robbie, who broke several swim records, too. And died suddenly and unexpectedly of a heart attack at the age of 34. After he died, I learned that in the United States heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. And globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) has predicted that by 2020 that the leading cause of death world wide will be heart disease. Their director, Dr. Robert Beaglehole said, "The old stereotype of cardiovascular disease affecting only stressed, overweight, middle aged men in developed countries no longer applied. Today men, women, and children are at risk." With Fran's untimely death, it brought those statistics to mind. In our swim community, we have raised awareness and money for several worthy causes such as cancer, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and several other causes. Today, I think it would be wonderful if our swim community would help bring an awareness of heart disease. This morning before my swim practice, I drew a small red heart on my swim cap to symbolize that I am joining the fight against heart disease. And on February 14, I will be swimming at my local pool to raise money for our local Heart Foundation. I am asking swimmers world wide to organize a swim in your hometown.....wear a red heart on your swim cap, and donate money to your local Heart Foundation. Please forward this posting to all swim clubs. Together we can make a difference. Thank you

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

The Strait of Gibraltar's Half Century Club

I recently read a wonderful article on the Strait of Gibraltar's Half-Century Club by Steven Munatones. This club is exclusively for swimmers who have successfully crossed the Strait of Gibraltar after their 50th birthday. His blogs "The Daily News of Open Water Swimming" "The Water is Open" and "Open Water Source" are the most comprehensive swim sites that I have visited. He mentioned other "Half-Century" clubs for other well known swims such as Catalina, English Channel, Cook Strait and Molokai Channel. Because a swimmer has reached their 50th birthday, it doesn't mean their swim career is over. It may be just the beginning to a very rewarding swim career. In my case, at the age 59 I had one the best swims of my life ...... In June, I set the U.S Woman's record for the Strait of Gibraltar swim with a time of 3 hours and 28 minutes and placed fastest time for the Half-Century Club among women and men since 1928. I did not start this swim with the intention of breaking any records....I was blessed with perfect conditions. If you are approaching your 50th birthday....celebrate...celebrate...celebrate. And recognize that the best is yet to come. Go for it!

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Go Grandma! You can do it, if you try!

Meet Pat Gallant-Charette, a native of Maine, Westbrook resident, University of Southern Maine graduate, wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and retired nurse. In her spare time, 74 year old Pat is a marathon swimmer. In her first attempt of the English Channel at the age of 58, success was snatched from her grasp in July 2008. After swimming 16 hours in the Channel, with the lights in French homes encouraging her and still feeling strong, Pat fought impenetrable currents for four hours just 1.7 miles from the finish line. While Pat had made it across....and that was a dream come true...the ultimate challenge had eluded her. In 2009, prevaling winds prevented Pat from starting her second attempt of the English Channel. Pat returned to Maine determined to return to Dover for another attempt. She came late to the Gallant-Charette swimming club. Her son Tom was on the Westbrook High School swim team and her youngest brother, Robbie Gallant twice won the 2.4 mile Peaks to Portland swim. Robbie, just 34 years old, was a loving husband, and devoted father to three year old Christopher when he suffered a fatal heart attack twenty years ago. Soon after Robbie's untimely death, Pat's son Tom said, "Ma, I'd like to swim the Peaks to Portland as a tribute to Uncle Robbie." Pat replied, "Tom, that's so sweet, I wish I could do the same." Looking at her encouragingly, Tom said, "You can, if you try." Those words inspired Pat to swim Peaks. At the age of 46 her fitness regime had consisted mainly of walking, but with a regular workout schedule at the local pool, Pat gradually built up her endurance. She met the qualifying requirement for the Peaks to Portland swim the following year. You can only imagine her emotion on finding her young nephew Christopher waiting for her at the end of that swim....that success encouraged her to seek other goals, including a double crossing of Maine's Big Sebago Lake (12 miles), and the Great Chesapeake Bay swim (4.4 miles) where stroke by stroke Pat repeated her mantra, "You can, if you try". She started her marathon swim career at the age of 58. Then on June 16, 2010 at the age of 59 years and 134 days Pat swam across the Strait of Gibraltar (Spain to Africa) in a time of 3 hours and 28 minutes. And much to her surprise, placed 3rd fastest woman's time since 1928, set the U.S.Woman's record for fastest time, and the new record for the fastest time for any woman or man over the age of 50 worldwide. Pat nurtured the belief that she was capable of swimming the English Channel, considered by many to be the greatest test of a long distance swimmer. While nominally 20.7 miles, strong tides and currents in the Channel make the real distance covered by swimmers 30 miles or more. On August 22, 2011 Pat entered the English Channel determined to reach France. The English Channel Swimming Association awarded her with the "Rosemary George Award for the 'Most Meritorious Swim of the Year' for 2011." Then, on October 18, 2011 Pat at the age of 60 years and 258 days set a new World Record for the Oldest Woman to swim from Catalina Island to the mainland of California ( 21 mile swim). Her swim was dedicated to her brother Johnny who died at the age of seventeen in a tragic accident. Pat founded "Valentine's Day...Swim for your Heart" a global swim event to bring an awareness of heart disease and prevention. http://swimforyourheartfeb14.com She encourages swimmers worldwide to participate in thought and action by swimming on February 14. Swimmers donate to their favorite heart charity or program. In 2011 the "Daily News of Open Water Swimming" announced the nominees for the "World Open Water Swimmer, Woman of the Year" award. Pat at the age of 60 was nominated for this award. Then in 2012 at the age of 61, she was nominated for World Open Water Swimmer, Woman of the Year" award. Also, in 2012 and 2013 she was selected as one of 101 women worldwide as "101 Movers and Shakers" in the world of open water swimming.....known as "open water ambassadors, spreading their enthusiasm and passion for the sport. ". In 2016 at the age of 65, she was nominated for World Open Water Swimmer, Woman of the Year and nominated for Global Marathon Swimmers Federation Solo Swim of the Year for her record setting North Channel swim. Pat was inducted into the Maine Swimming and Diving Hall of Fame on April 12, 2014.

In 2012 Pat announced that she will attempt to swim the Oceans Seven Challenge. On September 13, 2012 she completed Japan's Tsugaru Strait (her fourth swim of the challenge) in a time of 19 hours and 36 minutes (33 miles) and set a world record for the oldest woman to swim Tsugaru Strait at the age of 61 years and 224 days. In August 2013 Pat attempted to swim the North Channel between Ireland and Scotland. After swimming for 16 hours and 43 minutes and less than one mile from the finish line, the tidal flow changed directions and prevented Pat from completing her swim. On January 24, 2014 Pat attempted to swim Cook Strait in New Zealand. Mother Nature provided very strong tidal flows preventing her from reaching the finish line after several hours of swimming. In July of 2015, Pat returned home from Ireland after waiting two weeks for an opportunity to swim the North Channel. Mother Nature provided unsettled weather and a swim was not permitted. On August 24, 2016 Pat attempted a solo crossing of the North Channel with boat pilot Quinton Nelson, crew members Tom Charette and Fergal Somerville. The North Channel is regarded as one of the most challenging swims in the world with its prolific blooms of jellyfish, cold water temperatures, and unforgiving strong currents. She was successful in a time of 14 hours and 22 minutes. At the age of 65 years and 204 days, she set a Guinness World Record for the oldest woman to swim the most challenging channel swim in the world. She became the 41st person in history to complete this grueling channel. On May 20, 2017 at the age of 66 years and 107 days old, she had successful solo crossing of the Molakai Channel between the islands of Oahu and Molokai in a time of 23 hours and 54 minutes....setting a record for oldest woman to swim Molokai Channel. Twenty-eight days after her successful swim of Molokai channel, Pat attempted to swim the English Channel. On June 17, 2017 at the age of 66 years and 135 days she had a successful crossing of the English Channel and setting a Guinness World Record for oldest woman to swim the channel. Her son Tom who encouraged her many years ago to try open water swimming was her crew. On November 4, 2017 the English Channel Swimming Association awarded her the O'Clee Trophy for Oldest Successful Swimmer and the Mercedes Glietze Trophy for Female Pioneer Swim. Mercedes' daughter presented Pat with the prestigious award.

On August 30, 2017 Pat completed a solo crossing of Lake Ontario, Canada. Also, known as the Marilyn Bell route, 32 miles. In a time of 24 hours and 28 minutes. She set a new world record for the oldest woman at the age of 66 years and 209 days old. Pat is now a member of the 24 hour club. On November 1, 2017 the World Open Water Swimming Association announced their nominees for WOWSA, Woman of the Year. Pat was nominated with eleven amazing women. This is Pat's fourth nomination for World Open Water Swimmer, Woman of the Year since the age of 60.

In 2018 Pat was chosen by Swimsuits for All for a photoshoot in California. Fabulous product!

On September 20, 2017 Pat announced that she will attempt the "Still Water Eight". The eight lakes include: Lake Ontario (Canada), Loch Ness (Scotland), Sea of Galilee (Israel), Lake Taupo (New Zealand), Lake Tahoe (USA), Lake Zurich (Switzerland), Lake Malawi (Africa) and Lake Titicaca (Bolivia-Peru). She completed Lake Ontario in 2017. On June 30, 2018 at the age of 67 and 148 days Pat completed a solo swim around the 28 mile Manhattan Island (20 Bridges Marathon Swim) in a time of 10 hours and 53 minutes. She set a Guinness World Record for Oldest Person to complete the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming. The Triple Crown consist of Catalina Channel at age 60, English Channel at age 66, and Manhattan at age 67. And, a record for the Oldest Woman to successfully swim around Manhattan Island.

On August 7, 2018 Pat completed a solo crossing of the 22 mile length of Lake Tahoe in a time of 20 hours and 32 seconds at the age of 67 years and 186 days. Setting a new record for the oldest person. On August 19, 2018 Pat completed the 23 mile solo swim of Loch Ness, Scotland in a time of 13 hours and 45 minutes becoming the Oldest Person at the age of 67 years and 198 days to swim the length of Loch Ness. On August 22, 2018 She had a successful 10.5 mile solo crossing of Lake Windermere in England in a time of 7 hours and 38 minutes. On November 2, 2018 the World Open Water Swimming Association announced that Pat was nominated for World Open Water Swimming, Woman of the Year. This is Pat’s fifth nomination since the age of 60. On November 10, 2018 Ned Denison, Chairperson for the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame announced the induction of Pat to the IMSHOF. She was inducted into the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame in March 2019 in Australia. Her son Tom accompanied her.

In January 2019, Pat was named among the World’s 50 Most Adventurous Open Water Women. The Maine Sports Hall of Fame announced that Pat will be inducted in May 2019. On March 2, 2019 at the age of 68 Pat attempted her final challenge of the Oceans Seven’s....Cook Strait in New Zealand. After swimming for 12 hours and the finish line within a few miles, adverse tidal flow changed and winds increased. Her swim was stopped.

On August 1, 2019 Pat had a successful solo crossing of Lake Memphremagog in Vermont to complete the Triple Crown of Monster Swims ( Loch Ness, Lake Tahoe, and Lake Memphremagog) and become the Oldest Person to complete the Triple Crown. She set the record for Oldest Person to swim the 25 miles under the Marathon Swimmers Federation rules. On September 18, 2021 Pat swam from Anacapa Island to the California mainland (12.2 miles) in 9 hours and 22 minutes. She set a record for the oldest person to complete the California Triple Crown and the oldest person to swim a solo crossing of the Santa Barbara Channel at the age of 70 years and 228 days. On April 25, 2022 Pat had a successful swim crossing of the Sea of Galilee (North to South) in Israel (13 miles) in 8 hours and 22 minutes at the age of 71 years and 82 days….setting the record for oldest woman. On September 19, 2022 Pat had a successful swim across Bristol Channel from Porthcawl Wales to Glenthorne England (16 miles) at the age of 71 years and 228 days. She set the record for Oldest to complete the Original Triple Crown of Marathon Swimming (English Channel, North Channel, and Bristol Channel), as well as the first American and oldest to swim Bristol Channel route Porthcawl to Glenthorne. Pat has received eight Guinness World Records in marathon swimming. She was nominated for WOWSA, Woman of the Year in January 2023. On May 22, 2023 Pat at the age of 72 years and 109 days successfully completed the 24km swim across Lake Malawi in a time of 13hours and 5 minutes (ratified by MSF). She followed the rules of the Marathon Swimmers Federation. She set the record for oldest woman to swim that route. On September 2, 2023 Pat successfully completed the 26.4 km swim from Rapperswil to the City of Zurich, Switzerland in a time of 13 hours and 10 minutes (pending ratification by MSF) at the age of 72 years and 212 days. She followed the rules of the Marathon Swimmers Federation. She set the record for oldest women to swim that route. Pat has successfully completed six swims of the Stillwater Eight Challenge. In January 2024 the World Open Water Swimming Association announced the ten finalist for Woman of the Year for 2023. Pat placed fourth in the final round of voting. Contact information: patgallant.charette@gmail.com

2017 English Channel swim