THE ULTIMATE TRIATHLON

The final stage of the Ultimate Triathlon will involve swimming the English Channel from England to France. Swimming the Channel is sometimes referred to as the 'Everest' of long distance swimming due to its difficulty. However, this actually rather does it a disservice as many more people have conquered the great mountain than have made it the 21 miles to France. In fact, since Captain Matthew Webb's heroic first crossing in 1875, little more than 1,000 people have succeeded.

One of the first problems with this challenge is that the water is very cold. According to Channel Swimming rules, I will not be permitted to wear anything that aids bouyancy or warmth (i.e. only a standard swimsuit, cap and goggles.) Another problem is that the Channel is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, with 600 tankers and 200 ferries crossing it every day. As a result, I will be accompanied by a support boat that will (hopefully) ensure I stay out of trouble.

I had hoped to complete the swim as the first stage of the Ultimate Triathlon, and in September 2008 I made my first attempt to swim from England to France. Unfortunately, I was not successful and was pulled out of the water after 14 hours and 46 minutes, four miles from my goal. Therefore, the swim will now be completed after the bike and the run as the third and final leg.

  

Above: An incredibly inspiring video made by Edward Williams, a successful Channel Swimmer in 2006

“I wouldn’t say anything is impossible. I think that everything is possible as long as you put your mind to it and put the work and time into it.” – Michael Phelps, 6 times Olympic Gold Medal Swimmer