Gardner-Webb Alum Set to Swim English Channel
August 23, 2017 | Swimming
BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. -Â 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.
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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.
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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. Â
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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.
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You can follow her progress as she swims via http://cspf.co.uk/tracking.
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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.
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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. Â
Â
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.
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You can follow her progress as she swims via http://cspf.co.uk/tracking.
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