About this episode
In January of 2024 two teams of five swimmers set off to become the first winter relays to swim the English Channel. With the air temperature at 2 degrees and the water around 7 degrees, the men's team were successful in 14 hours and 45 minutes. Each team member swimming at least three one hour rotations in just their trunks, goggles and swim hat, as per EC Swimming rules. Sadly, the women's team had to abort due to a boat malfunction: that being said, while the boat was stationary and the crew were attempting to remove the issue, the women's team had to tread water alongside the bobbing vessel: again as per the hourly swim rotation rules. This event was some of the most extreme cold water swimming I have ever seen, and I was lucky enough to chat to two of the men's team... this episode is with one of the most humble swimmers you are ever likely to meet: Lee Johnson.