When Alexander Chantler touched the French shore in the dark at 2:35 am yesterday, the BEST (Bristol English Channel Swim Team) not only completed their English Channel relay in 13 hours and 25 minutes, an excellent time, but they also became the youngest group of athletes in history to do so.

After a responsible selection process, the young swimmers underwent a special open water training program developed by the Bristol North A.S.C. and the BEST head coach Penny Porter. The BEST swimmers included Angus Rowley, Danny Pirret, Lewis Clarke, Drummond McMillan, James Elmer and Alexander Chantler.

The mighty mights broke the record set 42 years ago by the Monson Swim Club – now all 54 years old. But kids being kids, according to their tweets, they took power naps during their night crossing when they were not giving it their all in the Channel.

Copyright © 2010 by Steven Munatones