THIS year’s Jersey to France Relay Swim on Saturday, raised over £15,000 for Dementia Jersey.
Now in its fourth year, the challenge saw a thrilling race to the finish between some of the world’s top open water swimmers.
The competition was of the highest quality and included Nathalie Pohl, who has the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming and is a two-time world record holder, as well as being the first ever German woman to achieve the milestone of completing all seven Oceans Seven swims in 2024.
Adam Walker also competed in this year’s challenge, and is no stranger to accolades. Walker is the first British person and world’s fifth to swim the Oceans Seven, which are the world’s seven toughest channel swims. He is also the second swimmer in history to complete them all on his first attempt.
Although the Jersey Water Polo Association’s team, Balls Allowed, crossed the finish line first, a five-minute penalty pushed them down to second place.
Pohl and Walker claimed the non-wetsuit category, completing the 14-mile course in a remarkable six hours and 57 minutes, while the JF Challengers took the wetsuit category honours in eight hours and four minutes.
Conditions throughout the race were tougher than anticipated, with unpredictable tides and rough waters.
The Jersey to France Relay Swim, which drew 16 international teams from across the globe, is a staple of the open water swimming calendar. Attracting swimmers from California, Germany, France, Guernsey, the UK and St Ouen, this race has become a global event supporting a local cause.
Simon O’Donoghue, the event’s founder, said: “The growth of this event, from a small idea to a world-class challenge, has been nothing short of incredible.”
“It’s amazing to see the support from so many different communities, and the funds raised will make a real difference in the fight against dementia here in Jersey.” Over £50,000 has been raised for Dementia Jersey since its inception.
The charity’s CEO, Claudine Snappe, expressed her thanks. “We are so grateful to the organisers, swimmers and sponsors for their incredible support.
“This event brings people together in such a positive way, and makes a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by dementia.”
Sponsorship from Dickinson Glesson and Kroll made the event safe and possible.
The event also depends on close collaboration between Jersey and French authorities, with thanks given to Mayor Bruno, Harbourmaster Pierrick and Messieur Dotter in Carteret, as well as local figures such as Deidre Mezbourian, who has close connections to Carteret.
