"Freezing madness" - Irish swimmers help set English Channel relay record

Irish swimmers Ger Kennedy and Vincent Donegan were part of a relay team that swam the English Channel in a record time of 14 hours and 45 minutes in bitterly cold conditions this month.

Kennedy and Donegan were joined by French swimmer Stève Stievenart and English swimmers Lee Johnson and John Myatt in their record-setting attempt.

A five-person women's team - Debbie Haze, Nicola Doran (a native of Belfast), Nichola Murch, Marion Joffle, and Michelle Lane - also undertook the challenge but were forced to abandon their relay due to issues with their boat. According to The Daily News Of Open Water Swimming, the women's team was "neck and neck" with the men's side before being forced to quit.

Dublin native Kennedy organized and captained the Winter Relay of the English Channel, which raised money for Power of One UK, a platform for women in animal welfare communities.

While raising money and awareness for Power of One UK, the teams also sought to achieve several unprecedented milestones: first mixed (women v men) team; first mixed-ability team; first competitive relay race in the winter months.

The swimmers, of course, are all well experienced but were required to complete training - three one-hour swims in water 8C or lower for seven hours - to qualify.

In the early hours of Saturday, January 13, the two relay teams entered the cold water of the English Channel to swim the 33km+ stretch from Dover to France.

The swimmers endured one-hour rotations in the water that didn't exceed 9C.

Notably, wetsuits were not allowed - swimmers could only wear one pair of togs, goggles, and one swim cap. 

The teams were accompanied by a qualified experienced cold water paramedic and an experienced crew.

Among the crew was Dr. Alexandre Fuzeau, who chronicled the experience on social media.

"Freezing madness," Fuzeau wrote at the start of the event.

After the men's relay was successfully completed, Fuzeau said "General Ger and his valiant troops conquered winter and crossed the English Channel."

Power of One celebrated the attempts on social media: "Both teams displayed incredible determination, strength, and resilience, embodying the spirit of unity that makes our community truly special.

"Unfortunately, the Women's team faced unexpected challenges with their boat, leading to their inability to finish the relay. We share in their disappointment, but it doesn't diminish the magnitude of their achievement.

"A massive congratulations is in order for the Men's team, who completed the swim around 11:45 PM. John Myatt guided to the finish line by the safety boat, sealing this incredible achievement."