Nepean Aquatic's Michael Payne completes solo Channel crossing

28 August 2022
Michael Payne Nepean Aquatic English Channel Crossing

The English Channel is not a swim that you can just jump in and complete if you want to have an official recognised result. Any formal attempt of the English Channel crossing needs to be applied for well in advance of the swim and each crossing needs to be completed in accordance with strict rules and conditions. The youngest swimmer to complete a solo crossing in 2022, Nepean Aquatic Centre SC member Michael Payne undertook this harrowing swim in July, reaching Cap Griz Nez in France in 12 hours and 48 minutes.

The majority of Michael's training was completed in the pool in a squad environment in the company of his teammates and under the guidance of his coach, Jackie Barck. Specific sessions were written for Michael where he had to tackle the kilometres as a lone wolf whilst living on campus at Charles Sturt University.  Michael travelled to swim with his father in Lake Wallace, Wallerawang near Lithgow for some cold water conditions and Nepean River at Penrith and Windsor to navigate dirty muddy water with floating debris.

Twice weekly distance open water encounters were somewhat enjoyable until an icy wind reminded Michael what was in store as it blew continuously and mustered up the relentless cold during his final lake outing before heading off to the UK.

Michael arrived in Dover, England, with his support crew on 12th July. During the next couple of days, Michael acclimatised, undertook some light swims, rested and mentally prepared for the challenge ahead.

Michael commenced his English Channel swim at 11.51 pm on Thursday, 14th July 2022 from Abbott’s Cliff at Sanphire Hoe, a few kilometres south of Dover.  For the first 5 hours, Michael swum in darkness and kept within 10m of the pilot boat “Optimist”. The water temperature was warm by channel standards - a brisk 16-18 degrees over the course of the swim.

He was travelling comfortably and was on track to hit his target time for the crossing until a deterioration in conditions hit at the third zone of the channel. Dozens of large cargo ships passed in front and behind the solo swimmer at various marks, creating waves and making the swim a lot more difficult. With around 3 hours to reach France, Michael reflected later that he needed to stay focused and ignore the cramps he was beginning to feel in his legs. 

The last 5km and in particular, the final 1.6klm of the swim took longer to complete than Michael would have liked. In a fatigued state, Michael listened to his support crew and drew on every ounce of courage to will himself through. Michael arrived at Cap Griz Nez by climbing onto rocks. As tired as he was, he waved the Australian Flag proudly and raised a smile for the camera.

Congratulations to Mighty Blues, Michael Payne, on his astounding achievement! Michael is now working towards competing in much warmer conditions at the Australian Open Water Championships in January. He has commenced in the pool and will continue towards qualifying for the 10km event. 

Article provided by Nepean Aquatic Centre SC

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