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| John and Mike |
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| Gracie |
Mike and Jane Mitchell, John Caughlin, Ronni Hibben and her husband from OC and Gracie van der Byl from Solana Beach and another friend of hers have all gone to paradise to swim. One I'd like to do some day.
The Maui Channel Swim was founded by Ian and Coco Emberson. Ian, one of the original 18 triathletes from the 1978 first Ironman on Oahu, has continued to nurture one of the world's most beautiful and enjoyable races.
GOOD LUCK to all my swim buds about to tackle the 10-mile Maui channel swim from Lanai to Maui! The conditions look rough and choppy, but they are well trained and are going to do FANTASTIC!!!
Haven't heard from my swimming buds and just saw a post from a swimmer friend from over 2 hours ago - one swimmer was pulled from the water due to a shark on the prowl, but they were dropped back in and allowed to continue. The conditions are gnarly with high winds and two escort boats have capsized!
The Maui News reported that the conditions (are) as challenging as they've been over the last 25 years of this race. We experienced (Tiger) Shark, Portuguese man-o-war, jellies, swells, ongoing currents and rough water conditions. Especially toward the latter half the winds were really whipping it up and the waves were extra choppy out there. But all went through the same thing.
Got home tonight to discover some awful news. There was a tragic accident just 200 yards from the finish of the 10 mile Maui Channel Swim. John Caughlin was sucked under a passing boat and it looks like he will lose his left hand. Mike Mitchell was right next to him when it happened and saw the horrible accident. Gracie had finished the relay and was on shore when the guards brought John to shore. They are at the hospital now. Please pray for John and keep them all in your prayers as they go through this difficult time.
Prayers and well wishes are pouring in over the facebook channels from swimmers and non-swimmers alike, even total strangers. This is so heart-wrenching...
Unfortunate update re: John Caughlin's Maui channel swim accident: John's right arm (yes, right arm) just above the elbow had to be amputated last night due to severe vascular damage. The doctor was able to reattach his left hand, but his thumb and index finger are gone. His left wrist is in pretty bad shape so it's touch and go. Please keep your prayers and support going for John and those close to him.
I'm hoping there will be something we can do for him. Perhaps a fundraiser swim or anything really.
I'm told, when John came out of surgery, he was in good spirits and asked for a Coke...so like John.
ReplyDeleteWhat a frightening and tragic thing to go through. The swimmers and their friends and families are all in my thoughts and prayers. Does the swim community have a fund set up for him?
ReplyDeleteWe don't have a fund set up, however, we are trying to put together something toward that end for him...perhaps a swim fundraiser or the like. Any ideas? Gladly welcome.
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