By Coach Annie Sawicki
It was the most amazing athletic feat I have ever witnessed by an individual athlete! Chris swam for 6 hours and 47 minutes with nutrition stops every 30 minutes. He swam to a first place finish and a new record time. This is the same as running 2 marathons.
Because Chris has trained extensively on his back stroke, bi-lateral breathing and his treading water was he able to be so successful. Any triathlete that tells me they do not need to learn other strokes is sorely mistaken.
We made a few nutritional mistakes--fig newtons don't taste good while swimming, one sweats a lot in the water and it is hard to keep replacing fluids. Being nice to your kayak team keeps one on course!
The President of USMS welcomed Irish Masters/Paralympics. The Masters swimmers we met from around the USA were remarkable people.
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