Swimmers gathered today in Malibu, California for the Second Annual Swim for Equality . The event helps raise critical awareness and funds for LGBT rights in California. (Photo by Devon Dooley)
The swim was a 1.7 mile course from Westward Beach to Zuma Beach. Special guests attended the event including ten-time Olympian Gary Hall Jr. and current world marathon open water swimming champion, Chip Peterson.
Below is race director and event coordinator, Michael Holtz briefing us on the race course and event background along with Chip who was guest race starter for the swim.
The swim was followed by a finish line pool party celebration at the home of True Blood’s music composer, Nathan Barr overlooking the scenic view of Topanga Canyon. The festivites included a post race barbeque, infinity edge pool, hot tub, massages, and even spray tans for the athletes, sponsors, and guests.
Michael speaks below about his passion for the event thanking athletes for their support and expresses inspiration from Diana Nyad as she currently attempts her channel swim from Cuba to Florida.
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.