The Triple Crown

[srcoyote]

I saw Chaos post in the other forum about swimming that in 2010. Has anyone here done all three (not necessarily in the same year)? In my slow, but steady immersion in to open water swimming, I have considered targeting one of these three in the next five years or so. For some reason, the Manhattan swim intrigues me the most. Any thoughts?

[chaos]

thoughts? yes, lots!

the manhattan swim (MIMS) is becoming very competitive just to get in. they accept 25 solo swimmers per year based on some combination of diversity goals and first come/first serve. the 2010 MIMS application goes on line this monday, the event is june 12. if you have the opportunity, i would recommend the following activities: get a friend or two and swim it as a relay, volunteer to be a boat observer for the event, do the qualifying swim just for fun... warm feedings help (4 hours in 61 degrees or less), enter the little red lighthouse swim; this event is about 6 miles with a current that makes it more like a 3-4 mile swim. it is the longest event that the MIF hosts around manhattan.

i have more thoughts that i'll post later, but its time for me to go swimming.

[Hoosier]

My daughter has swam the channel and MIMS. She did the MIMS after she swam and won the Little Red Lighthouse a couple of years before she applied. agree it is very hard to get in. but I think attainable, if you swim some of the others first, not necessirly win them but partcipate in the associations other swims and be early with your application. Besides the boat alone is $5000 for the channel. I wouldnt do it first....IMHO

[Krausen]

What constitutes the Triple Crown for open water swimming?

[Hoosier]

I have always known it to be, English Channel, Manhattan Island Marathon, and Catalina Channel swim in California.

[chaos]

The MIMS 2010 application went on line at 1:00 PM today and closed out at 2:00. There are 34 solo entries for 25 spots, and the approval process has begun. Its clear that one needs to plan well in advance for this event as the application process is fiercely competitive.

[srcoyote]

Wow. That is stiff competition. If I do anything along the lines of that sort of length, it will take me a few years to get there so I'll have plenty of time to plan ahead.

Best of luck!!

[Munatones]

As of September 2009, there have been 35 people who have completed the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming. You can see the list here: http://10kswim.blogspot.com/2009/07/...-marathon.html.

Like horse racing, some people define the Triple Crown in different ways from the traditional Triple Crown (English Channel, Catalina Channel and Manhattan Island Marathon Swim). Alternatives are listed here: http://10kswim.blogspot.com/2009/07/...ple-crown.html.

There is also the Ocean's Seven which has not been achieved yet, although James Pittar of Australia (http://10kswim.blogspot.com/2009/07/...ans-seven.html) is on his way: http://10kswim.blogspot.com/2008/06/oceans-seven.html.

There is also the Five Oceans, made famous by Lewis Pugh: http://10kswim.blogspot.com/2008/09/...rdon-pugh.html

[Hoosier]

In August of 2010...one more name will be added to the 35...my daughter has completed all but Catalina, and will take care of it then.

[aurora]

Hoosier your Daughter is a great swimmer!! Only in my dreams would I think about the English channel.Have seen the videos on Youtub crazy cool. Not only is it long distance to go but so many people either start or end in the dark because it takes so long! Would love to do one of those three swims! Might just be dreaming for me.

[Hoosier]

I checked this years entry for the MIMS for the women, (know the most about) and I believe all but one maybe two have swam the English Channel. They did a very nice job of spreading the entrys by ages, regions, etc.

[Munatones]

Who do you think should be considered the pre-race favorite(s)?

[chaos]

Originally Posted by Munatones

Who do you think should be considered the pre-race favorite(s)?

of those entered that i have had the pleasure to swim with.... Rondi and Lynne stand out.... though there are many impressive marathon times included in the resumes. its going to be a fun one to watch (too bad i'll be in the water)

[Chicken of the Sea]

Originally Posted by Hoosier

I checked this years entry for the MIMS for the women, (know the most about) and I believe all but one maybe two have swam the English Channel. They did a very nice job of spreading the entrys by ages, regions, etc.

Hoosier, I believe you are referring to me.

Beware of the Underdog, or Chicken in my case. I'm relentless.

[Hoosier]

I was making no comment as to who would win, simply following the discussion as to what it took to get the opportunity to swim....good luck to you in your swim. as we always say, 'watch out for outside smoke!"

[Chicken of the Sea]

I know, Hoosier, lighten up )) just messing with you