Bronxville High School Grad Swims English Channel

Yesterday, we brought you news that Marilee Kiernan, who recently set a record for swimming the Strait of Gibraltar back in June, was on to her next challenge: swimming the English Channel. Today, her sister Erin reports that Marilee finished the 23-mile swim in a little more than 10 hours.

Erin, a junior at Princeton University, wrote the below email, recapping the experience: 

WOW. What a crazy 24 hours we've had over here in England. While I was impressed with the swim last night, a good night's sleep has knocked some perspective into me and I am simply in awe. Twenty-three miles of swimming in just over 10 hours—bionic and insane are the two words that come to mind.

I apologize for the lack of updates on board; service was limited and my phone died about half way through. I understand my dad took over with the updates but they were not as detailed. Alas, something I can do better than my dad!

 To briefly recap the swim, I think Marilee would describe it as the best time she's ever had that she would never do again. Marilee was really enjoying herself until about the 8-hour mark. She made great time heading off the coast from Dover and through the shipping and separation zones of the channel. Albeit the minor stomach aches and general soreness (which were easily remedied with some Coca Cola, Yodels, and baby porridge with a disproportionate amount of chocolate powder), Mare was powering through the channel with speed and confidence.

Once the white cliffs of Dover had finally disappeared into the horizon, France was in sight and Cap Gris Nez was within view. While at this point, 8 hours in, it may appear to the swimmer that she's within an hour of the rocks, it is a bit of an illusion as the swimmer must swim forward through rough tides, while being dragged parallel to the coast towards the Cap (those who viewed the GPS may see that part of the route.) This a crucial moment for the pilot as well, who must direct the swimmer to the Cap with speed for, if you miss the Cap, you may add another 2 hours onto your swim.

Luckily, captain Andy executed a great route and Marilee perservered through the immense pain while demonstrating great mental toughness. Despite seeing the same vision for just over 2 hours, Marilee was able to "TCB" or "take care of business" and get to the home stretch with a bit of encouragement from the crew. There was even a point at which the entire crew put their loyalties to the queen aside, and came out to the deck to wave her onward with the American flag! Quite the moment! Though Marilee recalls that she didn't think she was going to make it prior to that moment, Jordan concluded that she was just hungry and needed chocolate...and most of us know how Marilee gets when she doesn't have her chocolate.

When she finally got close enough to the Cap, a dingy boat when out to follow her in as the main boat could not go any further. We watched patiently as we followed her tiny splash in the distance. Finally, after a few minutes, the splash was gone and we heard a loud "WOOOOOHOOOO!"; Marilee had pulled herself on top of a rock and was standing, arms outstretched and celebrating. The horns honked on the boat, resonating within the rocky cove, and everyone was instantly overwhelmed with excitement and pride. The watchmen must have heard her because the lighthouse on the Cap switched on just as the horns rang!

Upon returning to the boat, Marilee was excited but absolutely exhausted. We wrapped her in her Yale parka and recapped, in true Stepan fashion, the entire way back to Dover (with the exception of a few lapses in conversation due to sea sickness.)

This morning Marilee is doing well, but still tired. She went to The White Horse Pub this morning to sign her name on the wall along side all of the other channel swimmers.

Whoops, I've droned on a bit too long and need to head off to Microeconomics class.

All in all, it was a great day! We are so proud of Marilee and are very thankful for all of the support she received during the swim!

WAY TO GO MARE!

Editor's note: The above email was written by Erin Kiernan.