Roger Allsopp

There is so much happening in the swimming world lately I thought I would summarize some of the highlights, here is Dan’s medley of swimming;

31 Aug 2011 Roger Allsopp becomes the oldest person to swim the English channel,70 year old Roger completed the swim in 17hours 51min 19sec. Roger is fundraising for cancer research you can show your support for him at: www.justgiving.com/rogerchannelswim Well done Roger, awesome!

Diana Nyads brave third attempt at the 103 mile crossing from Cuba to Florida late September ended at 49miles after multiple jellyfish stings on the face and body, doctors recommended ending the swim saying any further stings could be fatal. This was Nyads third attempt, the first was when she was 28 years old, and the second attempt was in August this year. Diana’s efforts have been inspirational to an international audience.

UK H2Open Magazine Oct/Nov issue has a terrific English Channel spread. Contributions from writers such as Simon Murie (SwimTrek founder), Paul Newsome (Swim Smooth head coach and as of September accomplished channel swimmer) Steven Munatones (former open swimming world champion amd USA Open water coach) make this magazine a hotzone for experience and advice. Fit&Abel says get it, read it.

 Twitters to follow

@365Competitors triathlon focussed but plenty swim info and some excellent topics.

@MarkFosterSwim a swim legend with what many have described as the perfect stroke. Some interesting tweets but wish more of them were swim related.

@TheBigBlueSwim is a brand new swim adventure company based in Greece, worth a watch.

@openwatersource Steven Munatones open water guru gives regular updates and links to the latest happenings in long distance open water swimming.

@Triathletemag if you’re a triathlete or ironman enthusiast you need to follow.

@Jimmycarr great after a tough swim when you need a laugh.

Hawaii Ironman 8 Oct - Kona. Craig Alexander wins in a course record of 8.03.56. His swim time of 51.56secs help set him up for the win. Races are not won on the swim leg but they can be lost. Great Britain’s Chrissie Wellington gave a gritty performance to take out the woman’s title in 8.55.08.

The London 2012 Olympics; less than 290 days until they start. Most countries have their National Swim trials next March – check your national swim website for tickets.There are a score of Olympic Swimming Comeback hopefuls; American swim legend Janet Evans 40 years young has thrown her goggles in the ring, her USA compatriot Darra Torres at 44 years young is gunning for her 6th Olympics. The comeback to watch will be Ian Thorpe, at 29 years a fit and motivated Thorpedo could cause some upsets.

Speaking of Olympics this September Sun Yang swam a 3.40.29 at the Chinese Nationals in the 400M freestyle. This is the same guy who broke Grant Hacketts long standing 1500m World Record by swimming 14min.34.14 at the Worlds in July. Mark my words; this guy will break more World Records in London 2012.

Northern and Southern hemispheres are in the midst of switching seasons, it might be time for Fit&Abel to chase the sun. Keep watching fitandabel.com for news.

Feel free to comment with any swim news I have missed. Happy swimming!