After completing back-to-back channel swims from Anacapa Island including shattering the course record, Jim McConica called it a week today.
Despite having plans and a crew ready for a full week of battle in the Pacific Ocean between Anacapa Island and the California mainland, the Not-So-Old Man and the Sea called for a truce. McConica got a record and will not continue with his 6 other scheduled swims across the channel.
Prior to his 8 Anacapa Crossings In 7 Days attempt, McConica said, “I don’t know what I’ll do if I have a chance to go for the record.”
After the 61-year-old masters world champion broke the record set by 17-year-old old teammate Nick Vargas by over 20 minutes on the first day, he exited the water and said, “I made a deal with myself,” meaning that his work (i.e., the swim) was done. But he wanted to cross the channel one more time and posted another fast time of 5 hours 23 minutes in his second crossing completed today.
According to Ventura Deep Six teammate and friend Jim Neitz, “One of Jim’s decision factors [to halt the 8-crossing attempt] was his concern about all of the people who have given of themselves to crew and observe for him. Could he keep going? Yes. But it would be miserable, not fun or rewarding. Jim has nothing to prove to himself or others. There is no purpose in continuing.”
But the man who arguably has swum the most number of yards in the pool and miles in the ocean than any other living human on earth will most assuredly continue swimming both in the pool and ocean. Leading a remarkably healthful lifestyle, McConica remains an inspiration to all.
Copyright © 2012 by Open Water Source