„I PUT ON MY HEADPHONES AND WE DROVE TO THE HARBOUR WHERE THE BOATS WERE ALREADY WAITING FOR US. I GOT READY, LISTENED TO ONE LAST SONG AND WENT INSIDE. MY CREW WISHED ME WELL AND OFF WE WENT.“
In Gibraltar, there are two escort boats for a crossing, a slightly larger one and a speedboat (dinghy). The dinghy sails right next to the swimmer, while the bigger one gives the course. So, off we went! I jumped into the about 15 degrees Celsius cold water and swam to a rock where the start took place. The signal sounded and off I swam, doing well, quickly leaving the strong coastal current behind me. The first hour had passed when I was handed my first energy drink. Adam and my father motivated me from the beginning. It is very important for me to have this support. Because it is the only thing you get in the water, next to energy drinks and food that is. I felt very good and quickly found my rhythm. The sun was shining and reflected in the water – a beautiful moment. My crew even saw a whale and dolphins. The next hour passed and I got the next drink. I didn’t know how much longer I would be swimming. Another hour, maybe three? I didn’t wanted to know anyway since it did me no good except to think about the long time ahead. Another hour passed and I got a Sponge Cake (super soft cake). It’s my favourite thing to eat while I’m swimming. I only use all the gels and bars if I absolutely have to. Adam told me to sprint. I didn’t ask why. I thought it was because of a current and I sprinted. I saw Adam and my father looking at something on the stopwatch. I felt like I was swimming in place. The last 20 minutes were so exhausting that I wondered how long I could keep up this pace. I suddenly heard whistles from the boat and couldn’t believe it when rocks appeared below me. I had made it and was just happy to have arrived. I swam back to the boat and realised, I was the fastest woman who had ever made it: I swam the Strait of Gibraltar in 2:53 hours.
