Forrest Nelson does swims quietly without a lot of fanfare, but his swims are major events in marathon swimming circles.  From swimming across Catalina Channel in December to swimming around Catalina Island itself, Forrest goes about his marathon business as quiet and efficiently as his arm strokes slicing through a glassy Pacific Ocean in the calm of night. 

In July, Forrest replicated the 1980s feat of fellow Californian Cindy Cleveland by circumnavigating 48 miles around Catalina Island.  48 miles of cold, rough, swirling waters where eddies and currents and the possibly of aggressive marine life constantly challenged Forrest and his crew. 

Towards the end of his 25 hour 35 minute oblong-shaped swim, Forrest faced several hallucinations about pirates, but was able to finish the swim safely. 

For his humble nature, his ability to do things very few others can (he also completed his third Molokai Channel crossing this year in 17 hours 17 minutes), and his bold 25-hour circumnavigation around Catalina Island, Forrest Nelson is a worthy candidate for the 2011 World Open Water Swimming Performance of the Year.



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WOWSA aims to promote open water swimming as a global sport for those of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.  It hosts the World Open Water Swimming Awards to recognize the open water swimming’s heroes and heroines.

Copyright © 2011 by World Open Water Swimming Association