Channel conquered
Monday 21st September 2009, 2:30PM BST.
Cross-Channel swimmers Paul Mason and Becky Simmons. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 0837873)
BECKY SIMMONS has made history by becoming the first Guernsey-born person to swim the English Channel.
The 45-year-old mum-of-two completed the 29-mile solo cross-channel swim in a time of 11hrs 43min on Saturday.
Her swimming partner, Paul Mason, 42, reached the French coast from Dover in 13hrs 30min.
‘I don’t think it has really sunk in yet. It’s a bit special, I feel very proud that I have done it,’ said Mrs Simmons, who described the conditions as perfect.
Strong winds had prevented them from setting off earlier this month.
‘The visibility was about two miles, then suddenly it cleared and I could see the lighthouse in France. I knew I was almost there,’ she said.
Mrs Simmons clambered up the same rocks where comedian David Walliams completed his swim in aid of Sport Relief.
Swimmers have to stand on dry land in France for 10 seconds to complete the challenge.
‘It is difficult to describe that feeling. I know now why it is called the Everest of swimming,’ she said.
Mr Mason said the last person he spoke to before he left was his 13-year-old son.
‘He said: “Whatever you do, don’t give up” and that is what I was thinking about when it was really tough,’ he said.
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Congratulations….Well done!
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Well done – what a star !!
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Hi, I met Paul at 9:15 the morning after his swim, I was on holiday and just admiring the sea view, Paul told me he had only been back a few hours from swimming the Channel and was still to hyped up to sleep. I could feel and see Paul bubbling with self achievement, I don’t think I’ve ever felt that much excitement coming through a handshake. What a nice guy, I feel quite privileged to have met Paul. We met several others who had either swum or were about to try while on we were on holiday, but that Sunday morning was very special. Well done Paul.
Mick
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Mick Green
Eh its news to me!!!
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Hi Paul,
Not sure what your comment means?? I have read my comments several times and can’t see how any of it could have offended you, but it seems I have, so I am sorry.
I took the time to write the comment because I was so pleased for you and envious of the way you appeared to be feeling, I thought your friends and family might have liked the imagine of you sat on a bench, in front of Varne Ridge Holiday Park looking out over the Channel that you had just swum, my mistake and I apologize again for the misunderstanding on my part.
If you would like a copy of the photo I took of you (someone) on the bench, I will be only to pleased to send it to you.
The guy on the bench looks like the photo above, told me his name was Paul, he said his swimming partner had swum in a slightly faster time than him, they were staying in the Excellent Varne Ridge Holday Park, he told me they were from Guernsey and when I shook his hand I accidentally caused him pain in his shoulder….But perhaps somebody was impersonating the real Paul Mason, I was certainly fooled.
Whatever, I will be more careful about writing nice, well meant comments in future.
Kind regards
Mick
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Sorry it should have read (friends and family might have liked the image of you sat on a bench).. not imagine.. I do make mistakes, Mick
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Mick Green
I am not Paul Mason nor have I swam the channel. I was just have a bit of fun with the power of assumption!!!!
hehe
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Hi Paul,
I had guessed you were not the Paul Mason I met, he is a guy Guernsey must be very proud to have living there, you on the other hand are a very funny man, yep very funny, I’m sure somebody in Guernsey loves must you.
Mick Green
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