A remarkable teenage boy has achieved a record-breaking feat by becoming the youngest person to swim the Bristol Channel. Harrison Owens, a 15-year-old from Penarth, completed the charity swim in an impressive seven hours and 18 minutes. Starting his journey in Penarth and arriving in Clevedon, Harrison expressed his astonishment at the achievement, stating, “I’m still in disbelief that it’s happened, really. It feels a bit unreal but all the training has paid off.”
Throughout the challenging swim, Harrison faced both physical and mental obstacles but drew strength from the support of those who sponsored him. Recalling moments of doubt during the swim, he emphasized the importance of perseverance and focusing on the goal. Despite the gruelling 25-kilometre swim, Harrison’s post-swim meal was a well-deserved curry with a friend, a stark contrast to the jelly babies and seawater he had consumed during the journey.
Rather than resting after his incredible swim, Harrison displayed his determination by participating in a rugby match the following morning. Despite feeling exhausted during the match, Harrison managed to play for about 30 minutes before taking a break and falling asleep on the sideline with his dog. The young athlete’s resilience and commitment to both swimming and rugby showcase his exceptional dedication to sports.
Reflecting on the most challenging part of the swim, Harrison highlighted a moment between Flat Holm and Steep Holm islands when he encountered a large cargo ship, forcing him to pause in the cold water for about 20 to 30 minutes. The support of his family, including his mother, who played a vital role in his training, was instrumental in Harrison’s success. His father expressed immense pride in Harrison’s accomplishment and commended his dedication to training for the record-breaking swim.
Months of rigorous training and unwavering support from his family and training partners contributed to Harrison’s historic swim. As he broke the record, Harrison also raised funds for the Huntington’s Disease Association, underscoring his commitment to charitable causes. The family expressed gratitude to Epic Swim Co for training support and Fortitude for sponsorship, highlighting the collaborative effort behind Harrison’s achievement.
Harrison’s extraordinary accomplishment serves as an inspiration to young athletes and underscores the importance of determination and perseverance in pursuing one’s goals. His record-breaking swim across the Bristol Channel is a testament to his exceptional skill and unwavering commitment to making a difference in both sporting and charitable endeavors.