/ 2 August 2005

SA swimmer crosses English Channel

Long distance swimmer Carina Bruwer on Monday became the 23rd South African to swim across the English Channel, the Cape Long Distance Swimming Association said in a statement.

The ”nervous and excited” Bruwer began her attempt at 8.30am from Dover, England.

Sometimes rough conditions and changing weather did not deter the 25-year-old swimmer who completed the 36km swim — regarded as the benchmark for open water swimmers — in 12 hours and three minutes.

”My support crew was fantastic and really kept me going throughout the crossing.

”This really was the big one, the swim that I have been working towards for a long time.

”I really struggled against the current for the last 5km and am tired and cold now, but feel a real sense of accomplishment at having completed the crossing,” she said. – Sapa