The quadruple amputee who swam across the English Channel to inspire other physically challenged people around the world has his sights on an even bigger feat.
Philippe Croizon is training to swim across waters connecting five continents in another "message of hope and of life to all my fellow companions in misfortune," Agence France-Presse reported Monday.
The 43-year-old Frenchman lost both his arms and legs in a freak electrical accident as he was adjusting the television antenna on his roof in 1994.
"With this new challenge, we intend to accomplish an act of peace, of solidarity, of sharing with all able-bodied and handicapped men, of all skin colors, cultures and backgrounds combined," he told the AFP in announcing his plan for the summer of 2012.
Croizon propels himself through the water using custom-designed flippers attached to the stumps of his legs. Long-distance swimming champion Arnaud Chassery will accompany him.
Next May, Croizon plans to swim through 12 miles of shark-infested waters between Papau New Guinea to Indonesia.
Then the following month, he will swim from Jordan to Egypt through the Gulf of Aqaba - a tract of more than 15 miles. In July, the pair will make their way between Africa to Europe through the Strait of Gilbraltar.
For the grand finale in August, Croizon and Chassery plan on making an eight-mile round trip through the frigid waters of the Bering Strait between Russia and Asia, AFP reports.
Croizon, a father of two, made headlines around the world last September when he became the first man without arms and legs to cross the English Channel, making the 21-mile swim in just 13 hours.
"I've done this for myself, for my family, and for all those who have suffered tragedy and lost their taste for life," Croizon told London's Daily Mail.
SOURCE
You need to be a member of WORLDWRAPFEDERATION.COM to add comments!
Join WORLDWRAPFEDERATION.COM