A Meaningful Swim

By Jordan Moore on September 19, 2012 3:22 PM | No Comments

Brett Reynolds had plenty of time to think about his grandmother. The 2003 USC water polo national champion had 12 hours and 5 minutes in fact as he swam across the English Channel to raise money for Cure Alzheimer's, the disease which took her life.

The marathon swim (21-23 miles depending on the current) from Shakespeare Beach in Dover, England, to Cap Gris Nez, France, is a grueling exercise that fewer people have accomplished than climbing Mount Everest. Reynolds had to deal with strong currents, which make the swim even longer, as well as cold temperatures.

"It was much more difficult than I originally anticipated," Reynolds said. "I had some shoulder pain that started setting in after the third hour of the swim.

"The pain started impeding my stroke, which undercut some of the momentum built up during the initial three hours of the swim. The pain slowed the pace down, which allowed the cold to become more of a factor as the race progressed."

Reynolds was swimming for a cause though, which meant quitting was not an option.

"[My grandmother] was a constant source of inspiration, as were the many family and friends that had shown support during our fundraising for Cure Alzheimer's," said Reynolds, who raised more than $7,000.

"It brings a lot of meaning to the swim. I know that Alzheimer's is something that continually affects many of our lives, particularly with the family members that have taken it upon themselves to take care of the affected loved one after being diagnosed."

A Meaningful Swim

A Meaningful Swim

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