Saturday, April 07, 2007

One Long Swim

Congratulations Martin Strel

While few could relate to even the desire to attempt such a feat, Martin Strel has successfully swam the entire length of the Amazon River. The endurance swimmer who previously completed swims of the Danube, Missippi, and Yangtze Rivers began his quest to conquer the Amazon on February 1.

And for those of us who marvel at our own "crazy" yardage by considering the mileage we have completed in the pool, Martin Strel is truly amazing. His daily yardage averaged nearly as much as I have completed this entire year, and I like to think I've logged a lot of hours in the pool. Averaging 50 miles per day, Strel faced a great many challenges in mind, body, and environment.

Though his accomplishments are perhaps a bit extreme for many of us, Strel is still an inspiration role model for endurance swimmers. He establishes a goal, trains to achieve that goal, and overcomes the challenges and gremlins that stand in his way.

6 comments:

Papa Tweet said...

Holy crap, that is amazing. And not just the distance. What about the various wildlife threats in the Amazon River?

Michelle said...

That is unbelievable! I am constantly amazed by the power of the human spirit and body.

Miha said...

Well well :) I wasn't expecting this :) I am from Slovenia, where MArtin Strel is coming from and after one month of reading this blog there is Martin Strel here also :)

Di said...

the pirahna and the gators and such were psuedo scary but what really scares me is that thing that enters your body through the "openings" - no peeing i9n the amazon river please... argh. I read his story and I'm looking for "the rest of the story" once he recuperates. 3rd degree burns from the sun, disentery, parasites, Strel wanted it pretty badly. I know a few endurance athletes but none who consciously put themselves through those particular challenges. On purpose. Amazing and crazy!

TJ said...

that's crazy. period.

Unknown said...

one has to ask themselves... in these 50-miles per day swims... did the man dare pee in the water? isn't there some sort of fish that is attracted to pee that will swim up your woo-haa and eat you from the inside out? or... was that just on that one movie?