BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. - Transitioning from the pool to the open water, Gardner-Webb alum, Heather Roka sets out to swim across the English Channel. Once weather conditions are ideal for her journey, Roka will begin her 21-mile swim starting in England at Shakespeare Beach and ending in France at Cap Gris Nez.
According to the Channel Swimming and Piloting Federation, 1619 people have successfully completed the swim. Trent Grimsey achieved the fastest time on record on 8/9/12. Roka seeks to finish the swim with a time south the 10-hour mark. Waiting on ideal weather conditions, smooth waters will prove to be her ally reducing her time of completion, while currents won't likely be a large factor in overall time.
With lofty goals at the forefront of her vision, Roka has dedicated much of her time in the last nine months to training for her swim. While working as a physical therapist, the Fort Myers, F.L. native traveled to Connecticut to train in the Long Island Sound. Roka has spent time in the pool four times a week, while training in Long Island Sound for 2-6 hours on Saturday and Sunday's.
Roka, Class of '08, had a successful career in the pool at Gardner-Webb. After her freshman year, she already had obtained three school records in the 500 free, 1000 free, and 1650 free. She would continue to find much success as a Runnin' Bulldog, collecting multiple victories and garnering several Northeast Conference awards.
You can follow her progress as she swims via
http://cspf.co.uk/tracking.
