21-Year Old Female Marathon Swimmer Successfully Completes English Channel Open-Water Swim

Swimming from England to France, Abby Bergman, completed one of the most arduous open-water swims in the world, in 13 hours, 15 minutes.

News provided by

Abigail Bergman

Aug 14, 2017, 21:15 ET

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 14, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Swimming from Dover, England to a beach on the coast of France, is considered one of the most difficult swimming feats possible. Abigail Bergman had the dream of accomplishing this extreme challenge from the age of 11, and on Tuesday, August 1st, she began at approximately 1 a.m. leaping off the boat and swimming to Shakespeare Beach on the coast of Dover to begin the marathon swim. 13 hours and 15 minutes later, Bergman, tired but determined, arrived and stood up on the beach, near Wissant, Pas de Calais, France. Bergman's dream was fulfilled.

The English Channel is a heavily traveled shipping lane in both north and south directions for container ships. In addition to natural hazards of cold temps and sea jelly stings, the swimmer also must cope with enormous waves generated by these large ships, and the need to sometimes deviate in direction for safety.

"I am really proud that I can now count myself as being among the ranks of the incredible marathon swimmers whom I have looked up to and admired my entire life," said Bergman, on completing the swim.

The swim distance of approx 21 miles, is challenging not just for its distance but for the strong currents and tides, cold water and air temperatures, the enormous tanker and container ships crossing the shipping lanes, and unpredictable weather. Bergman had been training for this swim for the past year, seeking out opportunities to swim in cold water as often as possible, building up her tolerance to cold temperatures, and swimming long open-water marathon swims to prepare.

"It hasn't sunk in yet that I did it. It's crazy to accomplish something I've been dreaming of for so long; it will take a while for this one to sink in," said Abigail Bergman.

Looking ahead to the future, Bergman is intending to complete the "Triple Crown" of open-water swimming, by swimming around the Island of Manhattan in 2018. She is also exploring and evaluating other open-water marathon swims, as she continues to enjoy her passion for swimming in the wild.

To learn more and/or schedule an interview, please contact:
Natalie Bergman
310-994-9349;
[email protected];
[email protected];
www.openwaterabby.com

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Abigail Bergman's Open Water Blog

SOURCE Abigail Bergman