In Glyn's own words -

'I had trained long and hard, swimming almost everyday at Edgbaston Priory club and Cliff lakes each Saturday morning. My pace was faster and my technique getting better - I was becoming a stronger swimmmer. I had taken up other sports to boost my strength and stamina in a bid to make me strong in the water". Before I knew it, I was flying out to San Francisco.

(Alcatraz island)

"After a long flight, my wife and I arrived at my hotel (which was opposite the event HQ and the finish area of the swim), we arrived on Thursday evening and had until Sunday morning to relax.

On Friday Morning, I became nervous and a little bit of doubt entered my mind - I wondered if I was strong enough to take on the strong currents that I had been told about, and maybe - sharks?".    

                                                                                                           ( Hayley and Glyn)

"I almost doubted myself about the swim, but a dedicated and wonderful wife made me believe in myself and reminded me of the hardwork I had done ( plus we hadn't come all this way for nothing). I have always had one saying and that is - NOT REACHING THE START LINE IS FAR WORSE THAN NOT REACHING THE FINISH, and so I was going to be in the water on Sunday morning and swimming from Alcatraz".

(Glyn approaching the finish)

"I nervously walked over to register myself for the swim and waited for the walk to the ferry - the ferry that would be taking us to Alcatraz. The water was calmer than usual, but it still didn't make my jump from the ferry feel any easier, that jump was nerve-racking, but only for a second. I jumped in the water and there was no going back, just head for shore, and with over 50 volunteers lining the route on boats, water skis and kayaks, I had nothing to worry about.

I was quickly joined by a 'Swim Angel' by the name of Hayley, she swam alongside of me and kept me focused - relaxed but focused".

                                                                                                                             (Glyn at the finish)

"It wasn't an easy swim, but it wasn't as difficult as I had expected (perhaps all that hard training had paid off after all), I did feel the stress of swimming against the currents at times, but Hayley ( an experienced swimmer with many Alcatraz swimms under her belt) guided me all the way.

The feeling of emotion as I approached the finish, seeing the crowds and hearing them cheer was to put me in a faster paced swim. I was here, almost finished and an iconic challenge to my name".

Glyn with his finishers medal

"As I walked out of the water and up a small ramp, the first person I spotted ( in a huge crowd) was Angie, my wife. Angie was so emtional as I mouthed the words 'I DID IT', Angie nodded her head and whispered that she was so proud of me.

We both have had bereavements in our families, and we both needed this moment to help put behind us the past twelve months of our lives. We are in it together, no matter what the situation, no matter what the challenge - we're in it together, this challenge was for Angie just as much as for myself. 

                                                                                                                     Angie and Glyn

Has Glyn given you the yearning to try this challenge?

Are you thinking of swimming from Alcatraz ?

Click on the logo to go to South End Rowing Club - they will give you the best swimming Alcatraz swimming expeirience ever.

Such a friendly club and so welcoming to everyone.

Click on the logo to go to the website.