Power of One Animal Welfare log with Warrior the dog with yellow text

ENGLISH CHANNEL WINTER RELAY RACE 2024

WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT

Two teams comprising elite endurance swimmers are poised to etch their names in history by embarking on a groundbreaking journey across the English Channel. They aim not only to set new records, previously unattempted, but also  raise crucial funds and awareness for the Power of One.
 
The weight of witnessing animal suffering bears heavily on the heart, often overshadowed by the looming specter of financial strain. However, by unmasking these silent struggles, we have the power to acknowledge the emotional toll and the financial burdens. We have the power to effect change in their lives.
 
Choose to see, choose to change.

CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT US

Please give what you can and thank you for your support.

Prepare for a historic feat as two teams of elite endurance swimmers set their sights on a monumental challenge: The English Channel Winter Relay Race 2024.

Their mission isn’t just about rewriting records; it’s about rallying support for the Power of One, raising awareness and vital funds for our mission.

These teams are gearing up for an extraordinary undertaking, aiming to achieve several unprecedented milestones:

  • First Mixed (Women V Men) Team
  • First Mixed-Ability Team
  • First Competitive Relay Race in the Winter Months

Support isn’t a luxury for those devoted to animal rescue—it’s a lifeline. The emotional toll of witnessing animal suffering is profound, often overshadowed by financial constraints. Every participant is dedicated to raising awareness about mental health, advocating for well-being, and inspiring those facing challenges to seek help and find inner peace through effective coping strategies.

The English Channel, renowned as the ultimate long-distance challenge, presents unique demands. It’s not just the distance; it’s the ever-changing conditions, particularly in winter. From calm waters to fierce winds and towering waves exceeding 2 meters, the variability is staggering.

Bitterly cold waters, powerful currents, encounters with jellyfish, seaweed, and debris further intensify the challenge. Add to that the constant navigation through one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, bustling with hundreds of tankers and ferries daily.

Channel swimming is not for the faint-hearted. But beyond the sheer physical feat lies something truly exceptional.

These swimmers embody extraordinary determination, setting an example that can impact lives. Their extreme sport has a unique allure, but the lessons they offer go beyond comprehension.

Their resilience and unwavering resolve against adversity teach invaluable lessons, especially in navigating mental health challenges.

They possess an unparalleled drive, courage, and integrity—a testament to the elite long-distance swimmer’s mindset. Their motivation radiates an aura of incredible strength and purpose, serving as inspiration for mental fortitude in our own lives.

The animal welfare community epitomizes values worth championing in our society. Your support fuels rescue shelters, offering the recognition, respect, and resources necessary for their life-saving endeavours.

CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT US

Please give what you can and thank you for your support.

route & preparation

Dover to France (Cap Gris-Nez)
1 hour rotation of swimmers under CSPF channel rules.
Approx water temperatures 7-9c.
Air temperatures unknown.
Each team will have a qualified experienced cold water Paramedic & 1 x experienced crew.
Each team member has completed a very high qualification requirement Ger Kennedy has set: 3 x 1 hour swims in 8c or lower over 7 hours (some were 6c to 7.5c) - A massive achievement alone but only a qualifier to get to the cold water endurance required for this extreme winter relay race.

route & preparation

Dover to France (Cap Gris-Nez)
1 hour rotation of swimmers under CSPF channel rules.
Approx water temperatures 7-9c.
Air temperatures unknown.
Each team will have a qualified experienced cold water Paramedic & 1 x experienced crew.
Each team member has completed a very high qualification requirement Ger Kennedy has set: 3 x 1 hour swims in 8c or lower over 7 hours (some were 6c to 7.5c) - A massive achievement alone but only a qualifier to get to the cold water endurance required for this extreme winter relay race.

CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT US

Please give what you can and thank you for your support.

  • * World Record Attempt
  • * World Record Attempt
  • * World Record Attempt
  • * World Record Attempt
  • * World Record Attempt
  • * World Record Attempt

world record #1

FIRST 5-person winter relay across the channel

01
02

WORLD RECORD #2

​FIRST Race across the channel by 2 teams of 5 person

WORLD RECORD #3

FIRST Race across the channel in winter by team of Men v Women ​
03
04

WORLD RECORD #4

FIRST ever channel relay race in the winter

WORLD RECORD #5

Another race will follow featuring the FIRST 5-person mixed team

05

IT IS DEFINITELY A 1ST IN THE ENGLISH CHANNEL!

  • Rules of the Competition
  • Rules of the Competition
  • Rules of the Competition
  • Rules of the Competition
  • Rules of the Competition
  • Rules of the Competition

OFFICIATORS

This swim will be Independently Observed by The Channel Swimming and Piloting Federation (CS&PF) who have achieved worldwide recognition as a club able to facilitate and adjudicate attempts for its members to swim across the English Channel under the rules of English Channel swimming.

NO WETSUITS

Swimmers must only wear one pair of togs, goggles and one swim cap. Wetsuits are not allowed. Each relay swimmer begins behind the previous one in the water as they make their way from Dover to France. All swimmers will endure 1-hour rotations in approx. water temperature 8-9c.

TEAMS OF 5

Both Teams will start the channel swim at same time/location with a competitive edge (The Girls V The Boys) but main objective is to complete the mission. The long-distance swim of 33 km+ consists of a relay team with 5 swimmers per team, all consecutively taking turns swimming to make it from Dover to France (Cap Gris-Nez), across the English Channel.

ELIGIBILITY

In order to be eligible for the swim, all swimmers must: Have Previous history in cold water swimming. A training Log, which is required on the run up to swim with training advice given by Ger. Kennedy. Full Medical required prior to the swim. For safety, each Team will have a qualified Paramedic on-board during swim.

Prepare for HISTORY IN THE MAKING

CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT US

Please give what you can and thank you for your support.

Deborah Hazeltine

Deborah's passion for open water extends to swimming the Ice Mile, of which she has completed three times, along with other winter swimming events.
DEBORAH'S BIO
Captain

Nicola Doran

Nicola is proud to represent the para community in this challenge. Nicola won 3 Golds & 3 Silver medals at the 5th IISA World championships and was part of the 1st Para relay, making history.
Nicola's BIO

Nichola Murch

After years of competing in the National League, she transitioned to Open Water Swimming, conquering challenges such as the 10km River Dart, Lake Windermere, the English Channel, and the Jersey to France crossing in 2017.
Nichola'S BIO

Michelle Lane

In January 2023, Michelle represented Great Britain at the IISA World Championships in Samoens, France, where she gained a Gold medal in her age group and set a new GB record time in the 1km event. She further achieved 5 Gold medals.
Michelle's BIO

Laura Nesbitt

Laura is a multiple medallist at the Winter Swimming World Championships in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2020, Laura was part of the pioneering trio that swam 20 kilometres down the Bristol Channel in 13-degree waters in 2020.
Laura's bio

CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT US

Please give what you can and thank you for your support.

Ger Kennedy

Ger is a prolific extreme swimmer with 13 x International Ice Swimming Association Ice Miles (including 3 ice zero miles, a mile at high altitude and 2k at .5C) He was the first male and second person in history to complete the Ice Sevens Challenge.
Ger's bio
captain

Steve Stievenart

Before becoming a long-distance swimmer, Stève was a jet-ski champion, ran marathons, and later completed an Ironman. He truly began swimming in 2017 and made his first English Channel crossing in 2018.
Steve's Bio

John Myatt

John holds the Guinness World Record for being part of the first two-man team in history to swim to France and back. He is an ice miler, Great Britain 1k (Zero Degrees) age group World Ice swimming champion 2019.
John's bio

Vincent Donegan

Vincent is station officer with Dublin Fire Brigade where he has dedicated his career for the last 23 years. He has always enjoyed swimming and has been scuba diving for over 30 years.
Vincent's bio

Lee Johnson

Lee is an Original Triple Crown and Catalina swimmer. In 2023, he achieved the distinction of being the first successful swimmer to cross the North Channel. Additionally, Lee holds the record for the longest recorded swim in the Bristol Channel, enduring over 23 hours during a two-way swim.
Lee's Bio

CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT US

Please give what you can and thank you for your support.

JOIN THE COMMUNITY

Stay up to date with all POWER OF ONE announcements,
news, events and more!

Facebook Youtube Instagram Linkedin
Circular Power of One yellow image with warrior's head.
© 2026, “POWER OF ONE” All Rights Reserved.