Ray Meltvedt has started a tradition in Somalia at the first International Mogadishu Open Water Swimming Competition. The Half Century Club member for his Catalina Channel swim at the age of 50, Meltvedt swims regularly wherever he is.

“I am surrounded by local fishermen and the complete stock of the local tourism shop for sale on the wonderfully beautiful beach sand. I swam to the island in the background and climbed up the stairs cut into the rock…many hundreds of years ago.

This little village south of Mog dates back to even before Mogadishu became settled. Water was 75ish, clear and wonderful.”

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