Walsall swimmers smash Channel record in memory of tragic friend
For most people, swimming the Channel would be considered a huge achievement.
But an intrepid team of swimmers, who formed in memory of a tragic friend, crossed the 20-mile stretch separating England and France not once, not twice – but an incredible four times without stopping.
The six-person team, led by Paul Bates, originally from Walsall, took on the gruelling task, making it a record by becoming the first in Europe to complete a four-way crossing of the English Channel.
The challenge was completed as a relay, with each member swimming for an hour before a teammate took over.
WATCH: Channel swim challenges explained
The pals were at sea for almost two days, crossing 80 miles. They battled through strong winds and choppy currents to complete the arduous journey in 46 hours and 13 minutes. One member of the team remained in the water at all times.
Big Rick’s Swim Team formed 10 years ago in memory of Walsall swimmer Mark Rickhuss, who tragically died aged 41 of a heart attack in 2005 after helping a friend cross the Channel. The father-of-two previously swam the Channel himself in 1999.
