Open water swimmers have inspired many people over the centuries.
Several landmarks and memorials have been named in honor of International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame Honor Swimmer Lord George Gordon Byron of Great Britain. These include:
- Byron’s Stone in Tepelene, Albania
- Byron’s Cave (La Grotta di Byron) in Portovenere, Italy
- Statue of Lord Byron in Athens, Greece
- Lord Byron Memorial Stone in Westminster Abbey in the Poets’ Corner / South Transept
Among Byron’s best-known works are the lengthy narrative poem Don Juan and and the short lyric “She Walks in Beauty”, a poem that open water swimmer and event organizer Dave Swensen lovingly shared with his wife, Deanna O’Dwyer-Swensen, on their 36th wedding anniversary.
She walks in beauty, like the night Of cloudless climes and starry skies; And all that’s best of dark and bright Meet in her aspect and her eyes; Thus mellowed to that tender light Which heaven to gaudy day denies. One shade the more, one ray the less, Had half impaired the nameless grace Which waves in every raven tress, Or softly lightens o’er her face; Where thoughts serenely sweet express, How pure, how dear their dwelling-place. And on that cheek, and o’er that brow, So soft, so calm, yet eloquent, The smiles that win, the tints that glow, But tell of days in goodness spent, A mind at peace with all below, A heart whose love is innocent!
© 2025 Daily News of Open Water Swimming
“to educate, enthuse, and entertain all those who venture beyond the shoreline“
A World Open Water Swimming Federation project.