Paralympic swimmer Melanie Barratt (pictured above) will attempt to become the first blind woman to swim the English Channel later this month.
The challenging swim will begin from Shakespeare Beach, Dover, with Melanie swimming the 21-miles across the English Channel unaided.
“This Channel swim represents more than just a personal challenge for me,” said Melanie,” who won two golds, two silvers and a bronze medal at the Paralympic games in Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000.
“It’s about raising awareness of open water swimming and the work that British Blind Sport (BBS) do.
“Having spent many months training, I am excited to get into the water.
“On the day, there are so many variables that I have no control over. I have learnt so much during this training journey over the past two years that successfully completing the Channel Swim would be the finishing touch.”
Supported by the crew in the ‘Masterpiece’ boat, Melanie is planning on swimming across the Channel and reaching the holy grail of landing spots, Cap Gris Nez in France, in approximately 14 hours.
“Melanie’s journey from Paralympian to potentially becoming the first blind woman to successfully swim across the Channel is a testament to her,” said Chief Executive of British Blind Sport, Alaina MacGregor.
“We’re so proud to support her in this challenge, and we hope her incredible feat will inspire everyone, and that more blind and partially sighted people will get involved in sports.”
As part of the Sky Sports New Focus Fund, Find It Film crew have been following Melanie’s journey from Paralympic swimmer to open water swimmer, culminating with her Channel Swim attempt. The documentary, titled ‘Untethered’, is due to air in the Autumn.
To support Melanie and BBS on this challenge, donations can be made via Just Giving https://www.justgiving.com/page/mel-barratt-channel-swim
To learn more about BBS visit www.britishblindsport.org.uk
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