Meghan Chisholm Back Home After Swimming English Channel

On July 22nd Meghan Chisholm from Swift Current became the first person from Saskatchewan to successfully swim across the English Channel.

It had been a dream of hers for years and she completed the 14 hour swim all in an effort to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

In preparation for her swim Chisholm had to do a 6 hours qualifying swim.

“In 14 to 15 degree Celsius water non-stop, when you swim the channel you can’t be wearing a wet suit you have to wear a bathing suit that has no sleeves or legs.  You are allowed one cap and swim goggles,” said Chisholm.

While fighting the waves of salt water, Chisholm said the water was a beautiful 18 degrees; however she was surprised by the jellyfish swimming alongside her.

“During my swim I could kind of see one or two along the way half way 10 minutes later I saw a swarm of jellyfish and I ended up getting stung on my neck, but I didn’t end up feeling it,” said Chisholm.

After completing her swim, following tradition Chisholm signed her name on the walls of a local pub in Dover, England.

“It is called White Horse Pub and every swimmer who successfully swam the English Channel has signed the walls or the ceilings. I found a perfect right beside another Canadian from Nova Scotia. Signed my name and it is an experience you read all these names all over the walls and ceilings, from all over the world, what their times were, what year, it was just awesome,” said Chisholm.

Chisholm plans now to stay close to home for the rest of the summer before going to school this fall.