13th August 2009
My second attempt to swim the English Channel ended in disappointment only 2 hours out.
We started off in darkness at 2:45am UK time from 'Samphire Hoe' a bay out and around from Dover Harbour. There were another 8 pilots with swimmers heading off from this point at various times. After being greased up and night lights attached to bather and goggle, I was about to jump into the dark water when I slipped and fell in the water awkwardly on my back ... a great start, OMG. Swimming into shore I felt a slight pain on the right side, just under the rib cage. Didn't think much about this as Adrenalin was flowing through the body. The beach is pebbled so had to crawl/walk out beyond the waters edge. A siren sounded from the boat and this was the commencement of my attempt to swim from England to France.
Swimming in the darkness was serene, I loved this experience and swam strongly and confidently following the flash light on the water for guidance. Coming up to my next feed a sharp pain was causing me distress. Went on for another hour but unfortunately the pain was too much and so became the finish of my swim. A trip to hospital confirmed that I had strained or torn an abdominal muscle, maybe when entering the water from the boat.
During the day, the weather did a turn for the worst and one team and more solos had to abort their swims.
A special thanks to my husband Max - always there for me. Big brother Ian for his great support. Coach Pauline Pratt - what can I say about this unique lady who is so dedicated and passionate about open water swimming, to the extent that she extended her stay in Dover to support me on my channel swim.
We, who are passionate about open water swimming or swimming in general will never stop - my journey to this point has given me health, fitness, self confidence and also gaining so many friends from all areas of the world.
Swimming is my passion and I will never stop swimming in open water, but not so far beyond the black line !
When a journey ends a new one begins and I just cannot wait !
Thank you all for following me on this lifetime journey.
Just keeping Swimming - A Breathtaking Experience
