SANTA BARBARA, CA -- Micki Poole, a 50-year-old Deaf competitive swimmer from Greeley, Colorado completed the swim on September 12th in 7 hours, 2 minutes off the Santa Barbara coast. Poole became the first Deaf person to finish the 12.4 mile feat.
The channel is a challenge for all types of swimmers. The water is cold and choppy with strong currents, not to mention the predatory fish lingering about. Plus there are a host of rules making it even hard, one being the use of a wetsuit is prohibited.
"Typically five people attempt this swim every year, and half of them make it", said the president of the Santa Barbara Channel Swimming Association, Scott Zornig. Poole will be recognized for her accomplishment at the club's banquet in November.
"Channel swimmers typically have their coach on a boat telling them what to do, when to take breaks, and most importantly to encourage the swimmer...
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