Yesterday, Bill “Ciastko” Welzien (USA, 75, MSF bio here) completed his 147th warm-water 20.1 km circumnavigation swims around Key West in southern Florida over the last 34 years. This week, he finished in 6 hours 30 minutes 56 seconds [see his swim data here].
At 75 years old, he shows no signs of slowing down, even in the 79.9°F (26.6°C) water.
He explains, “This was also my sixth swim in 12 weeks. We had a steady east 15 mph wind through out our adventure. David Ezmirly, my kayaker, did a magnificent job providing me with protection and nutrition. This was a challenging slog. This swim was swum to the honor of the Lord Jesus Christ! Soli Deo Gloria.”
He further explained his perspective, “I find it challenging. It’s a good discipline. I know my window is closing at near 75 years and I still want to get what I can through it. I feel very blessed to be able to do this and I still have the ‘want to.’ I know it’s healthy for me, mentally, physically and spiritually.”
The Floridian septuagenarian started his solo swims around Key West in 1991 and served as the race organizer of the Swim Around Key West in 2003. He completed his 100th swim (Century Swim) in May 2018, averaging 6 hours 15 minutes over the course for his first 100 swims.
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