|
As Greg
said, "I have done everything but swim it myself so I might as well have a
go."
Greg made his attempt to swim the Channel on Sunday 6th August.
Things started well, and after just 4 hours of swimming Greg was already
half-way to France.
Unfortunately, with the coast of France in sight,
Greg was suddenly and unexpectedly subjected to a tidal shift, which began
dragging him away from his destination.
Whilst the main coastal tides are somewhat
predictable on either side of the Channel, there are many other unpredictable
currents in the stretch of water, and it often comes down to luck as to
whether a cross-Channel swimmer encounters an unhelpful current.
As if this wasn't enough, fog also descended on
Greg, and the waves increased in size. The fog made it impossible for
Greg and his support boat to see where they were going, and the waves severely
disrupted Greg's swimming rhythm.
After battling these difficult conditions for an
hour, it became clear that Greg's cross-Channel attempt would have to be
abandoned.
Contrary to what Greg said
in the interview (link above), he has now decided to make another attempt in
2007!
This has been a fantastic opportunity to raise
awareness and money for CRY, and we would like to thank everyone who supported
Greg. It is still possible
to sponsor Greg for his efforts in swimming the Channel.
Please visit his online donations webpage:
www.justgiving.com/gregswimsthechannel
* * *
It was
enormously exciting to be able to welcome David and Greg to
CRY's Parliamentary
Reception in the Palace of Westminster on July 5th, the day
after David completed his famous swim. It was brilliant to be able
to announce David as a Patron of CRY. David was an enormous success at the
reception
-
staying all evening, signing endless autographs and having photos taken
with CRY supporters.
To watch a
short video of David and Greg training,
and Greg "greasing him up" go to the BBC webpage:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tv_and_radio/sport_relief/5143966.stm
* * *
Professor Greg Whyte - Profile
After completing a Sports Science degree
followed by a PGCE in Physical Education at Brunel University, Greg became a
college lecturer in Physical Education. From here Greg moved to America to
study for an MSc in Human Performance. Whilst there Greg also worked as a
Post-graduate Teaching Assistant.
Greg then returned to the UK to become Principal
Lecturer in Post-Graduate Study and Sports Science Support at the University
of Wolverhampton where he also undertook his PhD. In 2001, Greg moved to the
Olympic Medical Institute to become Director of Research before moving on to
the English Institute of Sport where he became Director of Science and
Research.
Greg has, and still does in
some cases, worked as a consultant to a number of sports teams including:
-
Great Britain Olympic
Triathlon Team
-
Great Britain Olympic
Modern Pentathlon Team
-
Great Britain Biathlon Team
-
International track and
field athletes
-
Benetton Formula One Racing
-
Team Subaru Rally
-
Team Royal Navy track and
field and cross-country Teams
-
Football Clubs (inc.
Liverpool, West Ham, Walsall, Millwall)
Greg has represented Great
Britain in Modern Pentathlon for the period 1986-2000, winning over 80
International caps. This included 1992 and 1996 Olympic Games, 10 World
Championships, and 6 European Championships. Most notable successes included
World Championships Silver Medal (1994), European Championships Bronze Medal
(1991), Australian Open Champion (1989), and 7 times British Champion
(Modern Pentathlon, Tetrathlon, Triathlon).
In addition, Greg also
represented the Great Britain fencing team, including the 1991 World Student
Games. Other sporting interests include triathlon having competed in Ironman,
half Ironman, Olympic and sprint distances, in GB and abroad.
In addition to professional
positions and sporting success, Greg has also held a number of honorary
positions. He is currently Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the charity
Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) and between 1998-2001 was Chairman of the
British Olympic Association Athletes' Commission and representation of
athletes on the National Olympic Committee.
Related Media Coverage
|
