Monday, July 28, 2008

We did it!

We swam across the English Channel today in 10 hours and 43 minutes--witnessed by the dolphins that escorted us part of the way back to Dover. It was magical for all of us. I say "we" crossed the channel because it was the support of friends, family, colleagues, boat crew, the Channel Swimming Association, and good weather conditions that enabled me to achieve my dream of swimming the channel. I will never forget this experience!

I am very tired now. I will post a log of today's experience in the days to come. Thank you for your love and support. I shall have a heavenly slumber tonight.

Brent

38 comments:

Unknown said...

Congratulations Brent on accomplishing your goal!

Rosalyn and Donald

M said...

superb swim really well done...did I tell you Andy King is the tops or what!
really pleased for you and your team Brent..words fail me...just great stuff man

Mark

Balfour Girl said...

Whooooo hoooo! We started watching your pilot boat at 11 pm last night (our time) and when I woke up this morning you showed only being 1/2 way across the channel. We were concerned until we noticed that the boat hadn't updated its status in six hours! Congrats and looking forward to your blog on how things were for you.
Lonnie and Norm

Glen said...

Great swim Brent you are the pride of Kelowna and Masters Swimming everywhere. What's next?

Glen

Unknown said...

way to go, Ringo!!!! You are totally inspiring to me :)

Kim

Anne Morgenstern said...

Congratulations Brent! There was a huge cheer for you here in the ER when we got the news. Sheree and I followed your progress overnight. We are so proud of you. Sleep well!

Sherri said...

Congratulations Brent!

There was never a doubt.

Sherri

Drew said...

Hey Brent,

HUGE congratulations on a fanstastic achievement. You are an inspiration.

Enjoy the rest of your time in the UK. Look forward to congratulating you in person when you get back.

Drew.

Mark F said...

Brent:
Congratulations to you and your team on the culmination of a lifetime journey--it is inspiring for all of us who have watched you. You have made all of us in Kelowna proud, and now all of us masters swimmers are feeling pressed to work a little harder at our workouts!
Sleep well--the sugar plum fairies will be dancing in your head tonight!!
We look forward to the rest of the story in the coming days..

Awesome, awesome job!

Tami said...

Congratulations, Brent! What a huge accomplishment. You must be so proud! You should make your next swim down here where at least the water is warm!

Lots of love,

Tami (and family) in the Cayman Islands

Melissa said...

Congratulations Brent on an incredible accomplishment!! We will look forward to hearing more about it when you reurn to Kelowna. In the meantime, enjoy some well-deserved rest (think you can stay out of the water?!
-Melissa, Steve and Mary Koehle

Melissa said...

Congratulations Brent...what an incredible accomplishment! You and your team are absolutely amazing. I'll look forward to hearing about your adventures when you return to Kelowna. In the meantime, enjoy some R and R and try to stay out of the water!!
-Melissa, Steve and Mary Koehle

Susanne said...

Congratulations Brent on making it across ...but more than that for having the courage to live out your dreams. Carpe Diem!
Enjoy the rest of your vacation time with Joanne!

Dennis and Susanne

Bruce Stewart (施樸樂) (ブルース・スチュワート) said...

Well done! The other day I read about your preparation from your website including some early posts. I thought only really bad weather could stop you. It appears everything was favorable for you. That was a fast time, so I guess you did not have to go through a lot of hell near the end of the swim. I'll be interested to learn what the next challenge you intend to face is.

mark hickman said...

fantastic Brent.Way to go. Must feel really good to realise a lifelong dream.Good for you. Now about the Apple swim...where do you think the take out should be...just kidding!!.Enjoy your hard earned rest.
Congrats,
Mark

Missy said...

Brent -- WOW!!! You did it (knew you would!!)!!! Many people dream but VERY few actually make those dreams reality -- you are now one of those few!! Pat yourself on the back for those of us who can't reach you right now!!! With much admiration, adulation, respect, awe .....
Enjoy your rest!
Missy (and Tim and Duncan)!

Kathy said...

Congratulations Brent on fulfilling a lifelong dream; moreover the perseverance it took to accomplish a goal in life that many of us only wish for. You are beyond a doubt an inspiration! We wish you and Joanne a fabulous vacation and look forward to your safe return to Kelowna.

Kathy & Gene Gallant

Andrea said...

Congrats Brent. I am so proud you. Obviously rubbing yourself in chicken fat gave you that extra edge ;)
Can't wait to see you back in Kelowna and here all your tales.
Have a great time in Paris
Andrea

debb said...

Way to go Brent for fullfilling your dream.

chantelle said...

Brent - you are incredible. What an amazing accomplishment. I passed on the word to Rob and Carmelle (they are camping and out of the online world) and they are both just so thrilled for you as well.

Congrats from Chantelle, Scott and Peyton (born July 23rd)

Anonymous said...

Well done Brent!! "Fabulous time - Great Achievement"

Our family has been following your exploits on the blog for the past several weeks. My daughter Allison is booked to attempt the channel next August 2009, also with Andy King.

We will be in Kelowna for the Apple open water and hope to hear more about your experience.

Look forward to speaking with you.

Steve Donelon - Canmore

Deana said...

Well Done Brenty! We knew you could do it. We are all so proud of you. Enjoy the moment... Congrats.
Deana

Doug L said...

Way to go Brent...what an amazing accomplishment! Enjoy the rest of your time over there.

Doug L

Unknown said...

Congratulations Brent! Everyone at the Y is so proud of you. You are a true inspiration.

Shari

Rhonda said...

Way to go Brent!!!!

What an accomplishment!!! Enjoy the glow and indulge in the experience, you did it!!!!

Rhonda and Brad
From Victoria and Kelowna

Unknown said...

Awesome Brent well done, amazing accomplishment!!
Alan (IH Food and Hskp)

Cara said...

Wow Brent!! I have goosebumps, and I'm actually a little "veklempt" and short on words.

Reading about your journey to fullfill your dream is truly inspirational. You are definately made of the good stuff!! Can't wait to see you back in the office for your official commentary!

Congrats, and enjoy the rest of your holiday!
Cara :)

Trish Boileau said...

Hey, Brent,
Congratulations an thousand times over!! We are all so pleased for and proud of you over here! Oddly, you popped into my head - it must have been while you were swimming - just wondered what had become of you and your dream. Glad to hear you stuck it.
Take care and sleep well,
Trish from ER (back in the day .....)

Unknown said...

Suki, Tanya and Clark say congratulations. We knew you would do it - you're such a strong swimmer! Your time was amazing too! Very inspiring, many congrats!

Jeanette H said...

And Conny's message to the rest of the Okanagan Master Swimmers: "Hi Everyone, He did it, the crazy bast...d! Conny."

Congrats again - sure your family will be glad to spend more time with you! Think we should have the biggest party ever!! Tony & Jeanette

Lauren,Allison,Bro said...

Congrats Uncle Brent,

The Vernon pool swimmers are proud of you,

Take care of our daddy,

Lauren,Allison,Bro

khosro mansuri said...

Hey Brent
Well done job. I am sure you are going to have more plan for future right.
Way to go young men.
NSM
Khosro

Wolfgang Zorr said...

Hey Brent. A BIG CONGRATS to you for this accomplishment. Way To GO!!!

Mike and Anette

Raye said...

Great job Brent. Nothing like achieving a dream. Congratulations and look forward to seeing you back at home and hearing all about your journey. Enjoy Paris.

steve f said...

Congratulations Brent! Fantastic time! I was thinking of you last week while I was fishing a few miles offshore from Tofino while dressed in warm rubber rain gear and drinking luckies.......meanwhile you were going where few dare to go both mentally and physically. I am extremely proud of you and inspired by your determination.
Steve Forseth
Vancouver
ps Rivermouth Mike and Lonesome Dave send their regards.

sabine said...

What a fantastic achievement! Congratulations!! Bee

Bill Borger said...

From your fellow Canadian Channel Swimmer - Congratulations Brent you now are only the 19th Canadian to attain the official title of Channel Swimmer. Welcome to the club.

Bill Borger
Channel Swimmer 2000

Elise said...

OK, you did it, that's awesome!!!!! I had sent you an email asking how the swim went and you never mentioned it! How could you forget to mention your great accomplishment? I'm happy for you, Brent. Way to go!

Elise