Father’s love of the sea spurred on swim of a lifetime

Crossing the English Channel is like climbing Everest in swimming terms. But for Peter Walsh, it was a more inviting challenge than painting his own house

Fond memories of my childhood are of occasions with the family crammed into the Volkswagen Jetta, heading off to watch agog as my father covered himself in all manners of grease to protect him from water and friction burns and plunged into freezing waters. My dad loved to swim and his encounters of the local marine life, of the jellies and fish that tried to eat him, would grow larger with each telling.

While swimming too became my passion, I was lured into the world of triathlon a few years ago and absolutely loved it. I was never on any podium but loved the challenge. Unfortunately this love was not reciprocated and an injury put an abrupt halt to my running endeavors.