Balderton swimmer helps set world record
An open water swimmer became a world record holder after taking part in a relay across one of the world’s toughest seas — twice.
Caroline Sims, 43, of Balderton, captained the Ocean Walker Ladies’ relay team as they became the first all-female team to cross the North Channel and back.
They set off from Donaghadee in Northern Ireland and crossed the channel to Portpatrick, Scotland, before returning to their starting point in the space of 28hrs 25mins.
Subject to ratification by the Irish Long Distance Swimming Association, the team believe they have broken the existing relay record by more than 90 minutes.
The challenge is considered the hardest of the Oceans Seven Challenge, which are the seven long distance open water swims around the world.
Sims assembled the squad as she looked for a new challenge after completing a solo crossing of the English Channel in 2013.
“It was my idea. I did consider taking part in the event by myself, but then I decided I thought it would be better to take part in a team,” she said.
“We were very lucky with the conditions. They can get very cold but I think it averaged out between 11 and 13.7 degrees during the swim.
“All of the girls swam magnificently. I couldn’t be more proud of what they have helped us achieve and we can’t wait to do it again.
“This just goes to prove that if a team prepares and works hard together towards a common goal then anything is possible.”
The five open swimmers who took part in the challenge each swam for the space of an hour across the ocean before the next swimmer started.
They were all aged between 36 and 46, and had just their swimming costumes, caps and goggles for protection.
Jellyfish were encountered as well as baby sea lions, but they managed to complete the two swims without incident.
Other swimmers taking part alongside Sims were Louise Stratford, of Elmswell; Vicki Watson, of Gedling; Sarah Gatland, of Sheffield; and Clare Wookey, of Deeping St James.
They are hoping to return to complete another ocean challenge at some point in the near future.
