One of the fastest English Channel swimmers of all time, Christof Wandrasch of Germany attempted a solo swim across the Molokai Channel on April 22nd, but had to pull out in mid-channel about two-thirds the way across the channel due to the difficult conditions.
As well as being one of the top marathon swimmers on the professional circuit in his peak years, Christof has also completed a 7:03 crossing (second all-time) and a 7:20 crossing (sixth all-time) so he has the pedigree of being fast, tough and determined. But no matter how accomplished or how tough marathon swimmers are, the power of nature can make everyone understand how she always retains the upper hand.
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.