Is 50 The New 20 In Open Water Swimming?
Years ago (i.e., in the 20th century), it seemed as if sub-60˚F (15°C) was considered cold. Then swimmers kept pushing the bar and swims in sub-50˚F (10°C) waters were considered cold. Swimmers in the Czech Republic, South Africa, Ireland, Melbourne, New York and San Francisco led the way and kept pushing each other. Now, in the early years of the 21st century it seems that swims in sub-40˚F (5°C) are the new ‘cold’ standard.Years ago, 20 miles was considered a marathon swim. That standard is also changing as swimmers keep pushing the envelope.
This year alone, Forrest Nelson (48 miles), Ray Gandy (en route to 50 miles), Elaine Howley (en route to 50 miles), Penny Palfrey (68 miles) and Diana Nyad (planning 103 miles) are setting the bar quite high.
As the Olympic motto is Citius, Altius, Fortius (Faster, Higher, Stronger), perhaps open water swimming’s new motto should be Colder, Longer, Harder?
Copyright © 2011 by World Open Water Swimming Association
Southern California native, born 1962, is the creator of the WOWSA Awards, Oceans Seven, Openwaterpedia, Citrus Corps, World Open Water Swimming Association, Daily News of Open Water Swimming, Global Open Water Swimming Conference. He is Chief Executive Officer of KAATSU Global and KAATSU Research Institute. Inductee in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Swimmer, Class of 2001) and Ice Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Contributor - Media, Class of 2019), recipient of the International Swimming Hall of Fame's Poseidon Award (2016), International Swimming Hall of Fame's Irving Davids-Captain Roger Wheeler Memorial Award (2010), USA Swimming's Glen S. Hummer Award (2007, 2010) and Harvard University's John B. Imrie Award (1984). Served on the FINA Technical Open Water Swimming Committee and as Technical Delegate with the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games, and 9-time USA Swimming coaching staff. Note: WOWSA only recommends products or services used or recommended by the community. WOWSA does not receive compensation for links or products mentioned on this site or in blog posts. If it does, it will be indicated clearly on that specific post. See WOWSA's privacy policy for more information.
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