When Jackie Cobell decided to swim the 
English Channel, it was with the intention of losing a few pounds and raising money for charity. She never dreamed she would make it into the record books but she did — as the slowest solo swim of the Channel of all time.
The 56-year-old from Kent in the UK, challenged herself to complete the swim five years ago and after rigorous training had hoped to complete the trip from Dover to the French town of Calais in 18 hours. But, shortly after setting off on Saturday, she came across strong currents, which turned her 21-mile swim into a 65-mile slog. Despite an injured arm and an almost collision with a tanker, she persevered and just kept swimming.
“Every time I caught a glimpse of shore I thought I’d nearly made it,” she told Britain’s Daily Mail, adding: “Then the tide would sweep me in another direction.” Finally, after an exhausting 28 hours and 44 minutes, she arrived triumphant, to be greeted by a warm towel, a glass of champagne (she reached for the towel first) and a very unexpected revelation. “When they told me I was a record breaker I thought they were just having a joke — until I realized it was the record for the slowest crossing!”
Husband, David Cobell told BBC News he couldn’t be prouder. “The reason why she is a record-breaker is because she kept going,” he said, adding: “There are lots of swimmers out there who would give up after 24 hours or so but Jackie kept going and for that I’m extremely proud.”
And so he should be. Cobell, who is already planning her next swim, despite nursing bruised ribs and aching arms, raised over $4,300 for the Huntington’s Disease Association.
She might have been slow, but it just goes to show that with sheer determination — anything is possible.
If you would like to show your support by donating to her fund, please click here.
Photo via justgiving.com.