The environmental campaigner who intends to swim non-stop around the Isle of Wight for a gruelling 24 hours to break a world record, has begun his challenge.
36-year-old Vegan powerhouse, Oly Rush from Upton, Dorset, set off on the 65-mile challenge at 11am in Seaview.
At time of publishing he was approaching the Needles (follow his journey live here).
Update: According to the tracker this morning (Tuesday) Oly has completed the swim in less than 24 hours. Finishing just after 2am, he completed the swim in 15hrs and nine minutes.
Before the swim Oly said,
“I hope such a big swim will make people think about the damage being caused to the ocean and the planet as a whole by the way we live our lives – it’s a convenient lifestyle for us but the most inconvenient lifestyle for every other creature.
“It’s also to raise awareness about the way we treat our oceans because the amount of plastic we throw into them every day is scary.”
World record attempt
Only four swimmers have circumnavigated the Isle of Wight, with the quickest setting the record at 26 hours.
Last year Oly raised more than £10,000 from his 96-mile Jurassic Coast swim for local charities that clean up plastic along Britain’s coastline – and he hopes to reach that figure again.
Night swimming
As you close your eyes and head to sleep tonight, spare a thought for Oly who will be swimming in the dark. Let’s hope the moon is a bright tonight as it was last night.
Oly said,
“I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a little nervous about the night section, especially if I hit something like a jellyfish in the water, but it’s an adventure.
“On the Jurassic Coast swim, I hit a buoy and it almost gave me a heart attack.”
Show your support
So far Oly has smashed through his £5,000 target, already receiving nearly £6,000, but he’s hoping to reach £10,000 by the end of the swim.
To support Oly on his adventure, head over to his Just Giving Page. The money raised will go to local charities who clean up plastic along Britain’s coastline.
Article edit
8.10am 24th Aug 2021 – Added comment about Oly finishing in less than 24 hours
10am 24th Aug 2021 – Added time completed
