Thank you to everyone who followed Simona’s progress yesterday and for the good thoughts and messages you showered her with. Everything came together perfectly. Simona swam with three other swimmers, one of whom did the entire 17 miles butterfly!!!
It was a perfect day to be out in the water and Simona had a good start assisted by two kayakers, Iris and Margrethe, who helped her catch the best currents. We were traveling alongside in aboat expertly guided by Tom and Jim who helped protect Simona from other river traffic.
Joining us on the boat was Mo, who served as the observer, ensuring all the rules were followed and keeping the official log. Despite some minor internet difficulties and motion sickness we were able to post some updates.
On land, our friends Musa, Fionn, and Nathan provided support for Urban Swim to make Simona’s swim possible.
Simona swam steadily and with determination, stopping only to drink water,chicken soup, and diluted oatmeal.
Being Simona, we did not hear about her being bothered with a case of sea lice bites until later in the day and her only complaint was of being cold and having leg pain from kicking fast to keep warm.
The extra kicking helped her swim the course in the record time of 4:34:02. She was so fast that no one was completely ready for her early arrival!
Simona has dedicated this swim to friend and fellow swimmer Steve Kramer, who was one of the biggest supporters of her open water swimming. We found out after the swim that he had not survived the night. In Steve’s spirit of modesty and nonchalance, it seemed fitting that she could finish the swim and exit the water taking everyone by surprise. Our cousins Ken, Patti and Sarah were there to greet her and take photos of the finish from the beach.
