2011 World Open Water Swimming Association Award Nominees

We are pleased to announce the 2011 WOWSA Award Nominees.    To find out details about each nominee, click the name.   If you'd like to proceed directly to voting click HERE between November 1st and December 31st.

These awards are not necessarily for the best athletes, but are meant to honor the men and women who (1) best embodies the spirit of open water swimming, (2) possesses the sense of adventure, tenacity and perseverance that open water swimmers are known for, and (3) has most positively influenced the world of open water swimming in 2011.

Woman of the Year Nominees

Ana Marcela Cunha (Brazil) – World Marathon Swimming Champion

Pamela Dickson (New Zealand) – Lady of the Lake

Elizabeth Fry (USA) – Two Times Makes Double

Pat Gallant-Charette (USA) – Nursing Marathon Excellence

Pilar Geijo (Argentina) – World Professional Marathon Swimming Champion

Her Serene Highness The Princess of Monaco – A Royal Supporter

Marcy MacDonald (USA) – Freestyling Foot Doctor

Angela Maurer (Germany) – Mother of Marathoners

Anna-Carin Nordin (Sweden) – Swedish Aloha In The Channels

Diana Nyad (USA) – Inspiration and Determination Redux

Penny Palfrey (Australia) – Marathon Swimmer Extraordinaire

Keri-Anne Payne (Great Britain) – World Champion and Olympic Favorite

Man of the Year Nominees

Roger Allsopp (Great Britain) – Barrier-Breaker

Bruckner Chase (USA) – Ocean Advocacy and Awareness Visionary

Salvatore Cimmino (Italy) – Champion of the Disabled

Spyridon Gianniotis (Greece) – World Professional Marathon Swimming Champion

Simon Griffiths (Great Britain) – Open Water Swimming Publisher Visionary

Thomas Lurz (Germany) – World Professional Marathon Swimming Champion

Simon Murie (Great Britain) – Open Water Swimming Tour Operator and Enabler

Jamie Patrick (USA) – Adventure Swimmer

Stephen Redmond (Ireland) – Courageous Channel Challenger

Yutaka Shinozaki (Japan) – Founder of the Japan International Open Water Swimming Association

Petar Stoychev (Bulgaria) – World Professional Marathon Swimming Champion

Doug Woodring (Hong Kong) – Ocean Recovery Alliance Visionary

Performance of the Year

1400K Swim Across Tunisia  (Tunisia) – Swimmer of Peace and Bridge Builder

Colleen Blair (Scotland) – Swimming Across the Graveyard of Ships

Bridging The Cayman Islands (Cayman Islands) – Captivating Channel Challenge

Farallon Islands Swimming Association (USA) – Enabling a Renaissance In San Francisco

Julie Galloway (Ireland) – Record-setting Marathon Swimmer

Ray Gandy (USA) – Two Days in the Bay

Japan to Taiwan Ocean Swim Challenge (Japan – Taiwan) – Bridge Across Troubled Waters

Swann Oberson (Switzerland) – Switzerland’s First World Champion

Patagonia Extreme Cold Water Challenge (Chile and Argentina) – Adventure at the Tip of South America

Progetto Adriatico (Italy to Albania) – Learn To Be Free  

Rebekah Boscariol (Canada) – Swimming for SickKids

The Swim (United Kingdom) – Charity Relay Across the Irish Sea

Selina Moreno Pasagali (Spain) – Marathon Swimming Cancer Survivor

Special Olympics World Summer Games (Greece) – A Special Global Catalyst of Good

A Swim For The Coastlines – Un Nado Por Las Costas (Dominican Republic) – Coastal Cleanup Crowds

Windermere 12-way Warriors (England) – Dozen Times Better

Forrest Nelson (USA) – Courageous Channel Circumnavigation

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WOWSA AWARDS 2011 

Copyright © 2011 by Open Water Source

VOTE HERE! The 2011 WOWSA Awards

CLICK HERE TO VOTE!

WOWSA AWARDS 2011 

These awards are not necessarily for the best athlete, but are meant to honor the men and women who (1) best embodies the spirit of open water swimming, (2) possesses the sense of adventure, tenacity and perseverance that open water swimmers are known for, and (3) has most positively influenced the world of open water swimming in 2011.

Copyright © 2011 by Open Water Source

WOWSA Performance of the Year Nominee Windermere 12-way Warriors (England) – A Dozen Times Better

Liane Llewellyn, Thomas Noblett, Keith Bartolo, Michelle Lefton, Michelle Sharples and Dee Llewellyn wanted to put a non-stop lake distance swimming record out of reach … and they very may well on their 3-day adventure of endurance, teamwork and patience in the Lake District of England.

Their 12-way crossing of Windermere broke the existing record of 118 miles.

And their team effort was done under trying conditions at best – and unbelievably horrific conditions at times.

The team was selected based on their strong fortitude, unselfish teamwork and ability to withstand cold water and cold air temperatures.  And they needed every bit of those characteristics and talents.  The team set its record of 126 miles while prevailing under very challenging conditions that threw unseasonable cold and strong winds at them throughout their 75 hour 32 minute adventure.  For their strength of character and their ambitious world record goal, the Windermere 12-way Crossing is a worthy nominee for the 2011 World Open Water Swimming Performance of the Year.



For more information on Windermere 12-way Crossing, visit here.

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WOWSA aims to promote open water swimming as a global sport for those of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.  It hosts the World Open Water Swimming Awards to recognize the open water swimming's heroes and heroines.

Copyright © 2011 by Open Water Source

WOWSA Performance of the Year Nominee A Swim For The Coastlines – Un Nado Por Las Costas (Dominican Republic) – Coastal Cleanup Crowds

Marcos Díaz from the Dominican Republic has traveled the world to marathon swims of all kinds – amateur races, professional races, solo swims and wetsuit swims. 

With charisma and talent to connect with people from all walks of life, Marcos is as comfortable in conferences with politicians as he is with surfers on the beach.  But he has not done a marathon swim on the north coast of the home country of Dominican Republic until this year. 

Marcos, the United Nations Development Program Goodwill Ambassador, did an unprecedented 22K swim in extremely rough conditions as part of the International Coastal Cleanup Day, drawing nearly 20,000 people at the finish.  For his ability to help increase public awareness, generate public support while promoting the sport of marathon swimming and swimmer’s relationship to their marine environment, Marcos Díaz’s Un Nado Por Las Costas is a worthy nominee for the 2011 World Open Water Swimming Performance of the Year.

For more information on Marcos Díaz, visit  here.

VOTE HERE

WOWSA aims to promote open water swimming as a global sport for those of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.  It hosts the World Open Water Swimming Awards to recognize the open water swimming's heroes and heroines.

Copyright © 2011 by Open Water Source

WOWSA Performance of the Year Nominee Special Olympics World Summer Games (Greece) – A Global Catalyst of Good

The Special Olympics World Summer Games offered open water swimming for the first time in its history.  The inherent danger, the potential risks and the numerous issues involved in putting individuals with intellectual disabilities in the sea were overcome by a team of committed volunteers in Athens, Greece. 

The  1.5K world championship event in the Bay of Marathon in the Aegean Sea was won by Andrew Smilley of the Cayman Islands and Cornelia Fowler of South Africa where 35 athletes from 19 countries safely competed.  The athletes raced passionately and showed the world that well-prepared intellectually disabled athletes can perform well in the open water. 

When each of the athletes started the race, they demonstrated excellent navigational IQ and good racing tactics.  When they dramatically crossed the finish line, the widest smiles and the most heartfelt tears were shed by everyone who was privileged to watch the Special Olympics World Summer Games.  For serving as a catalyst to expand the sport among the Special Olympics international family, the Special Olympics World Summer Games is a worthy nominee for the 2011 World Open Water Swimming Performance of the Year.  

For more information on the Special Olympics World Summer Games, visit here.

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WOWSA aims to promote open water swimming as a global sport for those of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.  It hosts the World Open Water Swimming Awards to recognize the open water swimming's heroes and heroines.

Copyright © 2011 by Open Water Source

WOWSA Performance of the Year Nominee Selina Moreno Pasagali (Spain) – Marathon Swimming Cancer Survivor

Selina Moreno Pasagali is a fighter and has much to live for after recovering from breast cancer.  Shocked with malignant tumors in her breast, Selina took to fighting for her health with all her heart. 

Ever positive, Selina struggled back to regain her strength after a difficult bout with chemotherapy.  Her performance was a constant year-round effort. 

She first completed of a solo swim around New York, a 28.5-mile circumnavigation around Manhattan Island in 8 hours and 42 minutes.  Then she participated in a 100-mile (162K) relay from the island of Ibiza to Cabo de la Nao and Alicante in 60 hours.  Between these marathon efforts, she participated in numerous open water swims including winning the 10K Cullera Bay crossing. 

Remarkable in her outlook, incredible in her battle against cancer, motivational in her athletic accomplishments, Selina Moreno Pasagali brings joy, passion and inspiration to the world of open water swimming and is a worthy nominee for the 2011 World Open Water Swimming Performance of the Year.

For more information on Selina Moreno Pasagali, visit here.

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WOWSA aims to promote open water swimming as a global sport for those of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.  It hosts the World Open Water Swimming Awards to recognize the open water swimming's heroes and heroines.



Photo courtesy of Jose Diaz.

Copyright © 2011 by Open Water Source

WOWSA Performance of the Year Nominee The Swim (United Kingdom) – Charity Relay Across the Irish Sea

The Swim was a 56-mile relay across the Irish Sea that was done in support of UK Cancer Research.  With the celebrities in neoprene working hard to bring media attention to the sport and donations to the cause and  experienced marathon athletes swimming traditionally, The Swim was an example of seamless teamwork between newcomers, veterans, pilots, crew and media to get everyone safely across the rough Irish Sea. 

Liane Llewellyn, Olly White, Nikki Fraser, Becky Lewis, Colm O'Neill joined Jonathan Openshaw, Ronan Keating, Jenny Frost, Pamela Stephenson, Jason Bradbury and Steve Parry in a non-stop swim of 35 hours and 18 minutes.  The team effort was documented and televised to raise money and awareness as well as to motivate and inspire.  The combination of celebrity status and athletic achievement were utilized creatively to do good for others and raise over £255,000 as a worthy nominee for the 2011 World Open Water Swimming Performance of the Year.

For more information on The Swim, visit here.

VOTE HERE

WOWSA aims to promote open water swimming as a global sport for those of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.  It hosts the World Open Water Swimming Awards to recognize the open water swimming's heroes and heroines.

WOWSA Performance of the Year Nominee Rebekah Boscariol (Canada) – Swimming for SickKids

Rebekah Boscariol took a page out of another Canadian teenager’s marathon swimming history when she swam 52 kilometers across Lake Ontario this August. 

Replicating what the famous Marilyn Bell did in 1954, the 17-year-old swam for 15 hours and 33 minutes to come close to setting a new record.  

But her motivation and goal was clear:

to raise money and give back to the cardiac care section at SickKids Foundation at Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children where her 4-year-old sister Sophia had surgery to repair a hole in her heart.  Despite a late due to turbulent waters, Rebekah has not about to cancel or stop her swim.  As the 55^th person to successfully cross the lake, the teenager was symbolic of swimmers who do extraordinary feats of endurance to benefit others.  While SickKids has been a big part of Rebekah’s family and community, she is also part of a bigger global family of marathon swimmers.  For her unselfish effort to help sick children, Rebekah Boscariol’s 52K swim in Lake Ontario is a worthy nominee for the 2011 World Open Water Swimming Performance of the Year.

For more information on Rebekah Boscariol, visit here.

WOWSA aims to promote open water swimming as a global sport for those of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.  It hosts the World Open Water Swimming Awards to recognize the open water swimming's heroes and heroines.

Copyright © 2011 by Open Water Source

WOWSA Performance of the Year Nominee Progetto Adriatico (Italy to Albania) – Learn To Be Free

Progetto Adriatico was a 23 hour and 44 minute marathon swim from Italy to Albania in the Adriatic Sea by Massimo Voltolina.  The English Channel swimmer and Ironman triathlete Massimo swam 85K across the Otranto Channel. 

Massimo started from the southeastern coast of Italy and headed eastward to Albania across a rough Adriatic Sea.  His Project Adriatic ended in Isola di Seseno on the west coast of Albania for the first successful crossing of the Otranto Channel. 

With the Navy personnel, scientific researchers from three universities and a support crew keeping close tabs on the currents and Force 4 conditions, Massimo remained on track for an entire day and night.  Upon his arrival on the Albanian shore, Massimo was grateful and happy to convey a message of peace from the Learn To Be Free association.  For his eloquence in explaining his mindset and goals while being enveloped in nature during an unprecedented marathon swim, Progetto Adriatico is a worthy nominee for the 2011 World Open Water Swimming Performance of the Year.   

For more information on Progetto Adriatico, visit here

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WOWSA aims to promote open water swimming as a global sport for those of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.  It hosts the World Open Water Swimming Awards to recognize the open water swimming's heroes and heroines.

Copyright © 2011 by Open Water Source

WOWSA Performance of the Year Nominee Patagonia Extreme Cold Water Challenge (Chile and Argentina) – Adventure at the Tip of South America

Ram Barkai, Toks Viviers, Kieron Palframan, Ryan Stramrood and Andrew Chin, friends and teammates from South Africa, attempted and succeeded at the Patagonia Extreme Cold Water Challenge. They traveled to the tip of South America to attempt three extreme cold water swims within 12 days. 

No wetsuits, no neoprene caps. 

The men boldly tackled the Beagle Channel, the Strait of Magellan and Cape Horn as their inspiration, Lynne Cox, would: with only a swimsuit, cap and goggles.  Their swims were ambitiously planned and done in rough water, against strong currents and in water between 3.9°C and 8°C.  

They explored the outer reaches of their physiological limits and proved to themselves – and others – what is possible with tough-nosed training.   4.5K across the Strait of Magellan, 3.2K double crossing the Beagle Channel and 2.5K around Cape Horn, all done in wind-whipped seas with little time to recover.  For their scientifically sound training, their commitment to each other, their honor of the traditions of the sport, and their safe and successful mad-cap adventure into the extreme, the Patagonia Extreme Cold Water Challenge by the men from Cape Town is a worthy nominee for the 2011 World Open Water Swimming Performance of the Year.

For more information on the Patagonia Extreme Cold Water Challenge, visit here.

VOTE HERE

WOWSA aims to promote open water swimming as a global sport for those of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.  It hosts the World Open Water Swimming Awards to recognize the open water swimming's heroes and heroines.



Copyright © 2011 by Open Water Source

WOWSA Performance of the Year Nominee Swann Oberson (Switzerland) – Switzerland’s First World Champion

Swann Oberson was ready to quit swimming, but not before she gave it one last shot to qualify for the 2012 London Olympics. 

At the 2011 World Swimming Championships, Swann did qualify for the Olympics and established herself as one of the dark horses to stand tall on the Olympic 10K Marathon Swim podium on August 9^th 2012 in Hyde Park.  But that swim of her lifetime in the 10K where she placed 9^th was just a precursor to her heroic gold-medal performance in the 5K. 

Barreling down the final straightway, sandwiched between two rivals, banging and going stroke for stroke, Swann’s decade-long dream came true.  When three swimmers with their heads down, simultaneously shot their hands up to smack the touch pad, it was a classic photo-finish.   Several tense moments later, Swann exploded with tangible elation for claiming Switzerland’s first world championship victory in the open water.  For her commitment to the sport and belief in herself, Swann Oberson’s 5K world championship victory is a worthy nominee for the 2011 World Open Water Swimming Performance of the Year.

WOWSA Performance of the Year Nominee Japan to Taiwan Ocean Swim Challenge (Japan – Taiwan) – Bridge Across Troubled Water

The Japan to Taiwan Ocean Swim Challenge (日台黒潮泳断チャレンジ) was a 6-person, non-stop relay of 120 kilometers from Okinawa, Japan to Suou, Taiwan.  The swimmers included Kazuya Suzuki, Atsushi Suzuki, Masaya Shimizu, Kenta Ishii, Haruki Yamamoto and Kouhei Yamada who swam to honor the support of the Taiwanese people who came to the financial and operational aid of the victims and survivors of the disastrous earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan in March 2011. 

The 6 swimmers braved the strong Kuroshio current, roving sharks, jellyfish and rough conditions over 50 hours to successfully complete this unprecedented swim.   For their sincere efforts to raise money for their fellow citizens, for the ¥7 million (US$93,000) donated and for the boldness of an ambitious country-to-country relay swim, the Japan to Taiwan Ocean Swim Challenge is a worthy nominee for the 2011 World Open Water Swimming Performance of the Year.

For more information in English and Japanese on the Japan to Taiwan Ocean Swim Challenge, click here.

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WOWSA aims to promote open water swimming as a global sport for those of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.  It hosts the World Open Water Swimming Awards to recognize the open water swimming's heroes and heroines.



Copyright © 2011 by Open Water Source

WOWSA Performance of the Year Nominee Ray Gandy (USA) – Two Days in the Bay

WOWSA Performance of the Year Nominee Julie Galloway (Ireland) – Record-setting Marathon Swimmer

Julie Galloway had an exciting and eventful summer season this year. 

Between completing a two-way English Channel relay in 24 hours and 4 minutes as a charity fundraiser for the National Rehabilitation Hospital and getting married, she established the world record of 9 hours 32 minutes for the Round Jersey swim.  A highly technical circumnavigation swim that required optimal timing and expert navigation, Julie joyously swam the 41 miles faster than every man and woman in history around the open water swimming oasis in the middle of the English Channel. 

The personable, energetic and ever-smiling Texas native brings good cheer to the sport, a level of competitive intensity to every swim and a passion for traditional marathon swimming that makes her Round Jersey solo swim a worthy nominee for the 2011 World Open Water Swimming Performance of the Year.

For more information on Julie Galloway, visit here.



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WOWSA aims to promote open water swimming as a global sport for those of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.  It hosts the World Open Water Swimming Awards to recognize the open water swimming's heroes and heroines.

Copyright © 2011 by Open Water Source

WOWSA Performance of the Year Nominee Farallon Islands Swimming Association (USA) – Enabling a Renaissance In San Francisco

Great White Sharks, massive tidal flows and cold water are just three reasons why only two people in history (since the 1960s) have successfully swum between the desolate islands of the Farallones and the California coast. 

But Vito Bialla and Phil Cutti know that where risks are present, aquatic adventurers will gather.  With Vito’s leadership, Phil’s operational talents, and the passion shown by their team, the non-profit Farallon Islands Swimming Association was established. 

In its first year, the Association oversaw 2 successful relays and 4 attempts of the very tidal, bumpy 30-mile stretch between the Farallon Islands and San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge.  For their shared local knowledge, navigational and permit support of all interested swimmers and relays in planning a Farallon Islands swim, and their unparalleled expertise in escorting swimmers in this treacherous waterway, the unselfish year-round efforts of the Farallon Islands Swimming Association are worthy of a nomination for the 2011 World Open Water Swimming Performance of the Year.

For more information on the Farallon Islands Swimming Association, visit here

VOTE HERE

WOWSA aims to promote open water swimming as a global sport for those of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.  It hosts the World Open Water Swimming Awards to recognize the open water swimming's heroes and heroines.

Copyright © 2011 by Open Water Source

WOWSA Performance of the Year Nominee Bridging The Cayman Islands (Cayman Islands) – A Courageously Captivating Channel Challenge

Penny Palfrey wanted to do something outrageously difficult.  Something unprecedented and unheard of.  Something that captured her imagination and pushed her to the very outer reaches of her potential. 

She selected a stretch of water 14,615 kilometers from her home in Queensland, Australia – the outrageously beautiful Cayman Islands in the Caribbean Sea, south of Cuba and east of Mexico. 

She teamed up with the Flowers Group and Red Sails Sports working with the best mariners and most knowledgeable Government representatives in the Cayman Islands.  Together with a hand-picked crew of 46 people from 8 countries, her crew plotted and planned a two-part swim under the leadership of Frank Flowers and Red Sail Sports.  She first swam 5 miles (8K) between Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.  A few days later, she swam 68 miles (109K) from Little Cayman to Grand Cayman.  Her swim was never easy as ocean swells and surface chop plagued her, the entire 40 hours and 41 minute journey.  With her crew and the Cayman Islands Government at her side, she braved the waters of the Caribbean to capture the imagination of the nation. 

For her courage in attempting the unprecedented and for the coordination demonstrated by the local team, Bridging the Cayman Islands is a worthy nominee for the 2011 World Open Water Swimming Performance of the Year.

For more information on the Bridging the Cayman Islands, visit here

VOTE HERE

WOWSA aims to promote open water swimming as a global sport for those of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.  It hosts the World Open Water Swimming Awards to recognize the open water swimming's heroes and heroines.

Copyright © 2011 by Open Water Source

WOWSA Performance of the Year Nominee Colleen Blair (Scotland) – Swimming Across the Graveyard of Ships

Colleen Blair has already done the traditional route of marathon swimming – the English Channel, the North Channel, Manhattan Island and Jersey, but the 33-year-old took on a unique challenge this July. 

Colleen completed the first swim across the Pentland Firth, a 9-mile stretch of cold, rough water between the northern Scottish mainland and the Orkney Islands.

With a well-earned reputation as a graveyard for ships, Colleen set sail with her crew in the body of water locals call Hell’s Mouth…for good reason.  Sloshed around a leaf on a windy day, she bobbed and weaved her way across the angry seas to prove herself one of the hardiest marathon swimmers in the world.  Unsinkable, she completed an unprecedented 4 hour and 41 minute crossing where the Atlantic Ocean meets the North Sea.  For her courage throughout the tidal adventure where the Atlantic Ocean meets the North Sea, Colleen Blair’s swim is a worthy nominee for the 2011 World Open Water Swimming Performance of the Year.  

VOTE HERE

WOWSA aims to promote open water swimming as a global sport for those of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.  It hosts the World Open Water Swimming Awards to recognize the open water swimming's heroes and heroines.



Copyright © 2011 by Open Water Source

WOWSA Performance of the Year Nominee 1400K Swim Across Tunisia (Tunisia) – Swimmer of Peace and Bridge Builder

Nejib Ben Messaoud Belhedi is swimming along the entire coast of Tunisia – 1,400 kilometers – day by day, week by week, month by month.  His dream of building bridges not only across his country, but also across a region of the world currently in political upheaval, is lofty and inspirational.  

Initially his 1400K stage swim was a solo effort, but Nejib has developed friends and supporters along the way. 

With growing media support, swimmers from all over the Middle East are now interested in carrying on his vision on, for a more peaceful and promising future.  The organizer of the Dialog Across The Seas and an English Channel swimmer, Nejib is moving full steam ahead, swimming from the west to the east. 

Through the force of his humble yet forceful personality, his vision of peace is growing larger and inspiring more and more swimmers and non-swimmers alike.  For his difficult stage swim, its complicated logistics and his ambitious open water swimming plans across borders in the midst of turmoil, Nejib Ben Messaoud Belhedi’s Nejib Ben Messaoud Belhedi is a worthy nominee for the 2011 World Open Water Swimming Performance of the Year.

For more information on Nejib Ben Messaoud Belhedi, visit here.

VOTE HERE

WOWSA aims to promote open water swimming as a global sport for those of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.  It hosts the World Open Water Swimming Awards to recognize the open water swimming's heroes and heroines.

WOWSA Woman of the Year Nominee Keri-Anne Payne (Great Britain) – World Champion and Olympic Favorite

Keri-Anne Payne is facing the weight of Great Britain’s expectations on her well-trained shoulders and is standing up to the pressure like the champion she is. 

She peaks at the right moment and excels when the world’s fastest swimmers start nipping at her heals. 

Repeating her world championship performance from 2009, Keri-Anne led from start to finish at the 2011 World Championships in the pressure-laden 10K race. 

Showcasing her exceptional navigational IQ, her extraordinary aerobic conditioning and a tenacity inherent in her DNA, Keri-Anne never let up at the world championships and never looked back as she became the hands-down Olympic gold medal favorite. 

Named as World Open Water Swimmer of the Year by Swimming World Magazine and Ligue Europeenne de Natation (LEN), the icon of Great Britain is experiencing a great build-up to the Olympic year in her home country. 

For her outstanding world championship swim that clearly demonstrated her mastery over the world’s elite, but also for her personable interaction with fans, her friendly patience with the media, and her ability to rise to the occasion when all the marbles are at stack, Keri-Anne Payne is a worthy nominee for the 2011 World Open Water Swimming Woman of the Year.

For more information on Keri-Anne Payne, visit here.

VOTE HERE

WOWSA aims to promote open water swimming as a global sport for those of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.  It hosts the World Open Water Swimming Awards to recognize the open water swimming's heroes and heroines.

Copyright © 2011 by Open Water Source

WOWSA Man of the Year Nominee Doug Woodring (Hong Kong) – Ocean Recovery Alliance Visionary

Doug Woodring is a lightening rod of positive energy and practical action. 

He not only organizes the Clean Half Extreme Marathon Swim and Sheko Challenge open water race every year in Hong Kong, but he works to bring awareness and practical solutions to the problems of pollution in our ocean. 

Co-founder of the successful Project Kaisei and the Hong Kong Shark Foundation, he recently founded Ocean Recovery Alliance.

The Ocean Recovery Alliance focuses on bringing innovative remedies, technology, collaborations and policy together to improve the health of the ocean.  He announced two global preventative platforms at the Clinton Global initiative related to plastic waste, including Global  Alert – Floating Trash, and the Plastic Disclosure Project.  Doug is constantly working behind the scenes to make our Earth a better place.  For his vision, commitment and successes, Doug Woodring is certainly a worthy nominee for the 2011 World Open Water Swimming Man of the Year.

For more information on Doug Woodring, visit here

VOTE HERE

WOWSA aims to promote open water swimming as a global sport for those of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.  It hosts the World Open Water Swimming Awards to recognize the open water swimming's heroes and heroines.

Copyright © 2011 by Open Water Source

WOWSA Woman of the Year Nominee Penny Palfrey (Australia) – Marathon Swimmer Extraordinaire

Penny Palfrey swam like few others in history during 2011. 

The former world-class pool swimmer took over two decades to raise her three children. 

Now with the kids all grown up, the 49-year-old from Queensland is making up for lost time, fast and furious.  She started off the year, swimming a trio of channels in Hawaii.  A warm-up in the 7-mile Alalakeiki Channel (between Maui and Kahoolawe) led up to a 17-mile Kaluakahi Channel (between Kauai and Niihau). 

Then, starting minutes after a tsunami warning was lifted in Hawaii, she set off on a 26-mile Molokai Channel swim of 11 hours and 40 minutes.  This was all a precursor to her 68-mile swim in the Cayman Islands from Little Cayman to Grand Cayman Island where she faced jellyfish, sharks, towering swells and turbulence for 40 hours and 41 minutes.  She topped off her year with a 14 hour 30 minute crossing of the Tsugaru Channel in Japan to become the leading swimmer in the Ocean’s Seven Challenge.  For her ability  to organize and fund her swims all over the world, for her extraordinary endurance abilities and her inspiration to marathon swimmers worldwide, Penny Palfrey is a worthy nominee for the 2011 World Open Water Swimming Woman of the Year.

For more information on Penny Palfrey, visit here

VOTE HERE

WOWSA aims to promote open water swimming as a global sport for those of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.  It hosts the World Open Water Swimming Awards to recognize the open water swimming's heroes and heroines.

Copyright © 2011 by Open Water Source

WOWSA Man of the Year Nominee Petar Stoychev (Bulgaria) – World Professional Marathon Swimming Champion

Petar Stoychev is admittedly slowing down and victories are more difficult to come by as a 34-year-old. 

However, 2011 saw Petar extend his dominance over the professional marathon swimming world for the unprecedented 11^th consecutive year. 

He started out the year by winning the 57K FINA Open Water Swimming Grand Prix race in Argentina for the 10^th year in a row and finished by winning his 11^th consecutive Traversée internationale du lac St-Jean in Canada and 11^th consecutive victory at the 34K Traversée internationale du lac Memphrémagog in Canada against the fastest marathon swimmers in the world.  Along the way, the English Channel world record holder also won the very difficult 25K race at the World Championships in inhospitably 32°C water in China. He was the first world open water swimming champion from Bulgaria. He also won the equally inhospitable 11°C water at the Cadiz Freedom Swim in South Africa. 

For his continued dominance, world championship gold medal and willingness to travel anywhere to compete against anyone, Petar Stoychev is a worthy nominee for the 2011 World Open Water Swimming Man of the Year.  

For more information on Petar Stoychev, visit here

VOTE HERE



WOWSA aims to promote open water swimming as a global sport for those of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.  It hosts the World Open Water Swimming Awards to recognize the open water swimming's heroes and heroines.

Copyright © 2011 by Open Water Source

WOWSA Woman of the Year Nominee Diana Nyad (USA) – Inspiration and Determination Redux

Diana Nyad, 30 years out of the water, dove back in with an extreme dream – to swim 103 miles between Cuba and Florida. 

Twice rebuffed by box jellyfish that left deep wounds over her body and psyche, Diana stayed in the water nearly 29 hours on her first attempt and over 36 hours on her second attempt. 

While she never reached her ultimate goal, the 62-year-old inspired many to define and work towards their own personal dreams. 

She spoke eloquently of the allure and challenges of marathon swimming that attracted the attention of 1.3 million followers online and the American television broadcasters.  

She tapped into the imagination of the media and non-swimmers alike who became fascinated not only how this articulate sexagenarian trained for her marathon goal, but also how she dealt publicly with her failures.  Her motivating nature, her relentless work and her genuine efforts to help women over the age of 40 become fit and live boldly are reasons why Diana Nyad is a worthy nominee for the 2011 World Open Water Swimming Woman of the Year.

For more information on Diana Nyad, visit here

VOTE HERE.

WOWSA aims to promote open water swimming as a global sport for those of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.  It hosts the World Open Water Swimming Awards to recognize the open water swimming's heroes and heroines.

Copyright © 2011 by Open Water Source

WOWSA Man of the Year Yutaka Shinozaki (Japan) - Founder of the Japan International Open Water Swimming Association

Yutaka Shinozaki founded and has developed the Japan International Open Water Swimming Association (JIOWSA) to be a 9-month-long, 14-part open water swimming series in Japan. 

From Okinawa to Honshu, Shinozaki-san and his staff and volunteers have created an enjoyable, safe, competitive open water swim series for all ages and abilities.

From the pre-race beach clean-ups to comprehensive safety considerations, Shinozaki-san continues to promote and professionalize open water in Japan.  As more and more foreign swimmers learn about the myriad competitions in Japan from the tropical seas of Okinawa to the calm waters of Lake Biwa, JIOWSA will become a larger attraction for the Asian and global open water swimming community.  For dreaming large and executing professionally, Yutaka Shinozaki is a worthy nominee for the 2011 World Open Water Swimming Man of the Year.

For more information on Yutaka Shinozaki, visit here.

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WOWSA aims to promote open water swimming as a global sport for those of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.  It hosts the World Open Water Swimming Awards to recognize the open water swimming's heroes and heroines.

Copyright © 2011 by Open Water Source

WOWSA Woman of the Year Nominee Anna-Carin Nordin (Sweden) – Swedish Aloha In The Channels

Anna-Carin Nordin is a 41-year-old Swedish English Channel swimmer who successfully swam two marathon swims in two completely different parts of the world.  

Following her passion, her summer season started with a 41K cold-water marathon swim between Sweden and Finland in 14 hours 51 minutes. 

It culminated with an equally tough 42K warm-water crossing in the Molokai Channel between Molokai Island and Oahu Island in Hawaii in a grueling 18 hours 30 minutes.

26 years ago, Anna-Carin started doing open water swims in Sweden (Riddarfjärden, Vansbro simningen, Göta Kanal simmet).  She has now graduated to the major channel swims in an ideal niche for her. 

She trained and trained, swimming over 100,000 meters in a week with long 6-8 hours training swims where her positive spirit and training tenacity impressed all who came in contact with her.  For her inspirational nature, her quiet resolve and her success in achieving her dreams around the world in challenging conditions, Anna-Carin Nordin is a worthy nominees for the 2011 World Open Water Swimming Woman of the Year.

For more information on Anna-Carin Nordin, visit here

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WOWSA aims to promote open water swimming as a global sport for those of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.  It hosts the World Open Water Swimming Awards to recognize the open water swimming's heroes and heroines.

Copyright © 2011 by Open Water Source

WOWSA Man of the Year Nominee Stephen Redmond (Ireland) – Courageous Channel Challenger

Stephen Redmond is swimming like a man possessed, working fast to achieve the Ocean’s Seven. 

But he trains with only a 16-meter pool and the Irish Sea at his disposal.  Cold, solitary, rough are the conditions in which Stephen pounds out the miles: year-round, quietly, stoically, without complaint and without reservations.  His commitment to training enabled him to conquer the treacherously cold Fastnet Rock swim, an unprecedented 26-mile journey to the southernmost point of Ireland. 

In his quest to add to his impressive channel resume (including the North Channel, English Channel and Strait of Gibraltar), he flew from his home base in Ireland to tackle the Catalina Channel and Molokai Channel this October.  While he added his name to the Catalina Channel family, the currents of Molokai got the better of him.  This time.  Like a bulldozer with an endless tank of gas, Stephen has the personality, drive and heart to succeed against all odds.  For his unprecedented swim around Fastnet and his other channel swims, Stephen Redmond is a worthy nominee for the 2011 World Open Water Swimming Man of the Year.  

For more information on Stephen Redmond, visit here.

VOTE HERE.

WOWSA aims to promote open water swimming as a global sport for those of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.  It hosts the World Open Water Swimming Awards to recognize the open water swimming's heroes and heroines.

Copyright © 2011 by Open Water Source

WOWSA Woman of the Year Nominee Angela Maurer (Germany) – Mother of Marathoners

Angela Maurer is back again and seemingly gets better year by year despite being twice as old as some of her elite competitors. 

The 36-year-old mother of one child, she has a perspective on life that is cool-headed, calm and composed – which all serve her very well in the chaotic cacophony of competition.  

She not only qualified for the Olympic 10K Marathon Swim at the 2012 London Olympics as one of the top ten 10K swimmers in the world, and just barely lost the 25K world championships in 32°C waters in a heroic silver-medal performance in Shanghai, but she also won the 2011 FINA 10K Marathon Swimming World Cup series for the fifth time overall after traveling from continent to continent.   

Angela remains among the fastest and most fit endurance swimmers on the planet while working as an Associate Commissioner of Police. 

She continues to train hard - having swum over 60,000 kilometers during her career or greater than the circumference of the Earth.  For her continued success at the highest echelon and her longevity in the sport, Angela Maurer

For more information on Angela Maurer, visit here

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WOWSA aims to promote open water swimming as a global sport for those of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.  It hosts the World Open Water Swimming Awards to recognize the open water swimming's heroes and heroines.

Copyright © 2011 by Open Water Source

WOWSA Man of the Year Nominee Jamie Patrick (USA) – Adventure Swimmer

Jamie Patrick has been around water all his life, as a age-group swimmer, in college and as a surfer and triathlete. 

He blossomed this year and carved out his niche in the adventure swimming community.  A world where each individual defines their own goals and means of achieving them.  In a planet covered with water, adventure swimming is a fast-growing niche in the marine ecosystem. 

Jamie’s unprecedented 111-mile swim down the Sacramento River, a 31-hour non-stop effort aided by neoprene and fellow river swimmer Martin Strel, culminated successfully due to a year of logistical planning, escort crew coordination and training.  But his long-term goal to financially support other adventure swimmers, so they too can prepare for and achieve their own dreams in the open water world is admirable and uplifting. 

A devoted father and husband, successful business leader and adventure swimming catalyst, for his infectious joy of the sport and genuine willingness to help others, Jamie Patrick is a worthy nominee for the 2011 World Open Water Swimming Man of the Year.

For more information on Jamie Patrick, visit here.

VOTE HERE.

WOWSA aims to promote open water swimming as a global sport for those of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.  It hosts the World Open Water Swimming Awards to recognize the open water swimming's heroes and heroines.

Copyright © 2011 by Open Water Source

WOWSA Woman of the Year Nominee Dr. Marcella MacDonald (USA) – Freestyling Foot Doctor

Dr. Marcella “Marcy” MacDonald is a 47-year-old podiatrist who completed her 11^th and 12^th crossing of the English Channel. 

Serious, smiling and smart, the good doctor surrounds herself with a good team and gets it done every time.  In 2011, she not only kicked off the English Channel season with the first Channel Swimming & Piloting Federation sanctioned swim in June with a 10 hour 34 minute crossing, but she also ended the English Channel season with her 12^th crossing of her career in October with an 11 hour 51 minute success. 

How she works in these marathon feats given her responsibilities with patients and the causes she champions is a wonder.  The International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame inductee and board director continues to support others and strongly advocates proper training in preparation for any kind of open water swim. 

With her ever-present broad smile, her knack for getting the job done, and heartfelt appreciation for all those who support her and the sport of marathon swimming, Dr. Marcy MacDonald is a worthy nominee for the 2011 World Open Water Swimming Woman of the Year.

For more information on Dr. MacDonald, visit here

VOTE HERE.

WOWSA aims to promote open water swimming as a global sport for those of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.  It hosts the World Open Water Swimming Awards to recognize the open water swimming's heroes and heroines.

Copyright © 2011 by Open Water Source

WOWSA Man of the Year Nominee Simon Murie (Great Britain) – Open Water Tour Operator and Enabler

Simon Murie keeps bringing the challenge and allure of the open water swimming world closer to its growing community. 

With the aim of introducing open water to experienced and inexperienced swimmers in a safe yet challenging environment, he organizes hundreds of weekend and week-long tours and training camps around the world.  Thousands of people improve themselves as swimmers as a result including over 70 individuals who have graduated from his training camps in Malta with a successful English Channel solo swim to their name.

The joy and excitement that Simon has enabled is a dream come true for many, from the tropical waters of the Caribbean to the cross-continental challenge of the Hellespont.

The personable aquapreneur organized and specialist and bespoke charity events like Cancer Research’s “The Swim” where celebrities and experienced open water swimmers lent their names and reputations to raise significant amounts of money for good causes.  His vision, energy, enthusiasm and organization are all reasons why Simon Murie is a worthy nominee for the2011 World Open Water Swimming Man of the Year.

For more information on Simon Murie, visit here

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WOWSA aims to promote open water swimming as a global sport for those of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.  It hosts the World Open Water Swimming Awards to recognize the open water swimming's heroes and heroines.



Copyright © 2011 by Open Water Source

WOWSA Woman of the Year Nominee Her Serene Highness The Princess of Monaco – A Royal Supporter

Her Serene Highness Charlene provides unbelievably outstanding support of the sport of open water swimming from her new position as the Princess of Monaco.  

A former Olympic pool swimmer, the Princess swam the Midmar Mile and became interested in doing more. 

She is truly genuine, clearly charismatic and a major player in raising awareness and significant funds to support open water swimming, especially for Special Olympics athletes.  In myriad public and private ways, the Princess understands the global potential for doing good and instigating positive change in the world, especially when royalty, sports and causes intersect. 

For her efforts to promote acceptance and inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities and support of open water swimmers involved in the Special Olympics International movement, Her Serene Highness Charlene Wittstock is a worthy nominee for the 2011 World Open Water Swimming Woman of the Year.

For more information on Her Serene Highness Charlene, visit here.

VOTE HERE.

WOWSA aims to promote open water swimming as a global sport for those of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.  It hosts the World Open Water Swimming Awards to recognize the open water swimming's heroes and heroines.

Copyright © 2011 by Open Water Source

WOWSA Man of the Year Nominee Thomas Lurz (Germany) – World Professional Marathon Swimming Champion

Thomas Lurz is one well-known constant in the elite world of open water swimming. 2011 was no different. 

Thomas not only won his 7^th world championship title in the 5K, but he also won the FINA 10KM Marathon Swimming World Cup series, the European 10K Championships, and only narrowly lost the world championship 10K title in Shanghai. 

Always a gentlemen in victory and defeat, Thomas is one of the sport’s greatest ambassadors. 

Known for his tremendously hard-working habits during training, his victories are earned the old-fashioned way, whether the competitions are held in rough seas or calm lakes.  He is humble by nature, but his intensity in the water is legendary.  Race after race, year after year, Thomas continues to pound out the mileage in training and stand tall upon the podium listening to the German national anthem.  For what he represents as an athlete and one of the Olympic 10K Marathon Swim gold medal favorites, Thomas Lurz is a worthy nominee for the 2011 World Open Water Swimming Man of the Year.

For more information on Thomas Lurz, visit here.

VOTE HERE.

WOWSA aims to promote open water swimming as a global sport for those of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.  It hosts the World Open Water Swimming Awards to recognize the open water swimming's heroes and heroines.

Copyright © 2011 by Open Water Source

WOWSA Woman of the Year Nominee Pilar Geijo (Argentina) – World Professional Marathon Swimming Champion

Pilar Geijo dominated the world of professional marathon swimming for the second year in a row.  She won the FINA Open Water Swimming Grand Prix with podium finishes in the 15K Rosario, Argentina (third), the 57K Sante Fe-Coronda, Argentina (second), the 88K Hernandarias-Paraná, Argentina (victory), the 36K Capri-Napoli, Italy (victory), the 32K Lac St-Jean, Canada (victory), the 34K Lac Memphrémagog Canada (victory), and the 30K Ohrid Lake, Macedonia (third). 

She distanced herself from her competition over 292K (181 miles) by maintaining a steady pace.  In tandem with her husband who serves as her ever-attentive coach, the duo used smart racing tactics to win. 

They remained humble and appreciative of their sponsors, race organizers and fellow competitors. 

With world-class endurance, a steely mind and a friendly nature, Pilar patiently achieves her goals and always crosses the finish line with a smile despite the discomforts of marathon swimming.  For her achievements in the world of professional swimming, including being the first woman to win consecutive victories in the Traversée du lac St-Jean and the Traversée du lac Memphrémagog, Pilar Geijo is a worthy nominee for the 2011 World Open Water Swimming Woman of the Year. 

For more information on Pilar Geijo, visit here

VOTE HERE.

WOWSA aims to promote open water swimming as a global sport for those of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.  It hosts the World Open Water Swimming Awards to recognize the open water swimming's heroes and heroines.

Pilar Geijo dominó el mundo de las aguas abiertas profesionales por segundo año consecutivo. Ella gano el FINA Open Water Swimming Grand Prix con podios en 15K Rosario, Argentina (tercera), 57K Sante Fe-Coronda, Argentina (segunda), 88K Hernandarias-Paraná, Argentina (victoria), 36K Capri-Napoli, Italy (victoria), 32K Lac St-Jean, Canada (victoria), 34K Lac Memphrémagog Canada (victoria), y 30K Ohrid Lake, Macedonia (tercera).

Se distanció de su competencia a través de los 292 k (181 millas) por mantener un ritmo constante. A la par con su esposo quien se desempeña como su entrenador, siempre atento, el dúo utilizó tácticas inteligentes para ganar carreras.

Ellos mantuvieron la humildad y el aprecio por sus patrocinadores, organizadores de carreras y los demás competidores.

Con la resistencia de clase mundial, una mente de hierro y un carácter amistoso, Pilar pacientemente logras sus objetivos y siempre cruza la línea de meta con una sonrisa a pesar de las incomodidades de las aguas abiertas. Por sus logros en el mundo de la natación profesional, ademas de por ser la primera mujer en ganar dos victorias consecutivas en la Traversee du Lac St Jean y Traversee du Lac Memphremagog, en Canadá, Pilar Geijo es una gran candidata para ganar el premio a la Mujer de Aguas Abiertas del Año.

Copyright © 2011 by Open Water Source

WOWSA Man of the Year Nominee Simon Griffiths (England) – Open Water Swimming Publisher and Aquapreneur

Simon Griffiths knows an emerging sport when he sees it.  But the former freelance triathlon writer wants others to appreciate open water swimming in its many guises as he does: as a lifestyle, as a healthful exercise that challenges the mind and body, as an activity that is shared with a profound level of camaraderie and collegiality that crosses borders, ages and cultures. 

The embodiment of his vision is H2Open Magazine, the world’s only magazine dedicated to open water swimming. 

After one year in publication with sales, influence and advertisements constantly growing in a down economy, Simon and his team has more than over-delivered.  

Highlights of incredible athletes, features on special events, technical information from dryland training to nutrition, and articles on specific aspects of the sport from sharks to wetsuits, H2Open Magazine is a dream-come-true for open water swimming enthusiasts.   For putting together an international team, financing and a distribution network, Simon Griffiths has increased the awareness and excitement in the sport and is a worthy nominee for the 2011 World Open Water Swimming Man of the Year.

For more information on Simon Griffiths, visit here.

VOTE HERE.

WOWSA aims to promote open water swimming as a global sport for those of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.  It hosts the World Open Water Swimming Awards to recognize the open water swimming's heroes and heroines.

Copyright © 2011 by Open Water Source

WOWSA Woman of the Year Nominee Pat Gallant-Charette (USA) – Nursing Marathon Excellence

Pat Gallant-Charette is a 60-year-old full-time nurse who cares for her two young grandchildren and is inspiring friends around the world with her attitude and marathon swimming achievements. 

She kicked off 2011 by founding the non-profit Swim for Your Heart February 14 organization that supports heart disease-related charity groups through a worldwide swim.  

Despite all the demands on her time, she manages her time well enough to train and travel the world to honor the memories of her two late brothers.  With hundreds of miles of training under her cap, Pat started her summer season by becoming the oldest American woman to complete the English Channel in 15 hours and 57 minutes.  Not content, she headed west and became the oldest woman to complete the Catalina Channel in 14 hours and 11 minutes. 

For her relentless pursuit of marathon swims in iconic locations, her unselfish nature in caring for others, and her ever-positive “can-do” spirit, Pat Gallant-Charette is a worthy nominee for the 2011 World Open Water Swimming Woman of the Year.

For more information on Pat Gallant-Charette, visit here.

VOTE HERE.

WOWSA aims to promote open water swimming as a global sport for those of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.  It hosts the World Open Water Swimming Awards to recognize the open water swimming's heroes and heroines.

Copyright © 2011 by Open Water Source

WOWSA Man of the Year Nominee Spyridon Gianniotis (Greece) – World Professional Marathon Swimming Champion

Spyridon Gianniotis keeps improving in the open water.  His hard work and improved racing tactics all came together in Shanghai at the 2011 World Championships where he won the prestigious 10K race over favored Thomas Lurz and earn a hard-fought silver medal in the 5K. 

Now heading back to his fourth Olympics as a result of this world championship victory, the versatile 31-year-old is one of the Olympic 10K Marathon Swim gold medal favorites. 

Always close to the top among his pool rivals, Spyridon found his true niche in the open water where his hard work and tactical mind can boost him to the top of the Olympic podium.  Personable and humble, yet sufficiently intense and aggressive enough to realize the gold medal at the Olympics, Spyridon is a man with a mission. 

For his upset victory in the world championship 10K and his two-medal performance in Shanghai, Spyridon Gianniotis, the friendly multi-lingual distance swimmer, is a worthy nominee for the 2011 World Open Water Swimming Man of the Year.

For more information on Spyridon Gianniotis, visit here.

VOTE HERE.

WOWSA aims to promote open water swimming as a global sport for those of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.  It hosts the World Open Water Swimming Awards to recognize the open water swimming's heroes and heroines.

Copyright © 2011 by Open Water Source

WOWSA Woman of the Year Nominee Elizabeth Fry (USA) – Two Times Makes Double

Elizabeth Fry is a 52-year-old financial services consultant who could not just swim things once in 2011.  She first set the double crossing record in the 35-mile Ederle Swim from Manhattan Island to New Jersey – and back – in June. 

Finishing in 11 hours and 5 minutes, she set the standard for both men and women, young and old.  Elizabeth then got busy directing the 25K Swim Across The Sound before she headed off to the English Channel where she stepped up on her third attempt to complete the two-way crossing of the iconic channel. 

With an intense focus where she zones out and swims at an average of 64 strokes per minute, Elizabeth became the oldest person to complete the 42-mile double crossing in 24 hours and 39 minutes, negative-splitting her swim.   Not finished yet, she ended her 2011 season with a 13 hour and 25 minute 25-mile crossing from Vermont, USA to Québec, Canada.  For her dynamic spirit in helping others realize their open water dreams while she realizes her own potential in some of the most difficult swims in the world, Elizabeth Fry is a worthy nominee for the 2011 World Open Water Swimming Woman of the Year.

For more information on Elizabeth Fry, visit here.

VOTE HERE.

WOWSA aims to promote open water swimming as a global sport for those of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.  It hosts the World Open Water Swimming Awards to recognize the open water swimming's heroes and heroines.

Copyright © 2011 by Open Water Source