Anne MacAlpine-Leny, captain of the team of six swimmers explains, “My biggest reason for taking the Loch Ness Challenge is for the Afghan Mother and Child Rescue. Over the last two years, I have had the opportunity to learn more about the charity and to get to know many people who work in Afghanistan. I am committed to the cause. I am also excited and enthusiastic about the brilliant team we have this year. The spirit is great and I am pleased to be part of such a fabulous group of women. I love the way the training unfolds and the team develops. It is a wonderful process. And to finally see the swimmers on the day and night meet the challenges and triumphs, this is what makes it all worthwhile.”
The team, coordinated by Anne (shown on left), includes Jenny Rice, Clare Doyle, Sophie Rutenbar, Maria McClarnon, Piera Constantini Scala and Kristy McIntyre who will attempt to raise £50,000 in their journey from north to south. The team is supported by local pilot Tom Kent and his wife who are providing their services free – a not-insignificant donation as the relay is expected to take between 20 and 25 hours.
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.