Daniel Smyth, 17, a member of the Newry Swimming and Waterpolo Club, embarked on the challenge on Saturday at 4:48 am from Robbie’s Point in Donaghadee. The swim, approximately 25 miles, saw Daniel overcoming cold temperatures, strong currents, and the threat of lion’s mane jellyfish.
After 12 hours, 26 minutes, and 44 seconds, Daniel reached a small beach beneath Dunskey Castle, south of Portpatrick. He accomplished this feat not only to set a record but also to raise over £3,000 for Pulmonary Fibrosis NI, in honour of his grandmother.
Adjusting to life post-swim, Daniel mentioned, “It’s been strange. I’ve been waking up and thinking, ‘I don’t need to swim today’.” His preparation for this swim spanned over a year, supported by his family and coach Keith Garry.
Reflecting on his journey, Daniel said, “It feels like nothing has happened, but that’s because it’s finished. For the past year, my life has been nothing but swimming and a tight regime. It’s surreal to finally finish the goal I have been working so hard towards.”
On the morning of the swim, Daniel and his team left Newry at 1:30 am, travelled to Bangor, and then took a boat to Robbie’s Point. Despite some initial nerves, he got into the zone by listening to music.
Daniel described the swim as mentally challenging, especially around the eight-hour mark when he felt his body urging him to stop. Battling through this mental barrier and a powerful current in the final stretch, which added an extra three hours to his swim, he finally reached Scotland. He recounted his “funny entrance” upon arrival, having to raise his arms above his head to officially complete the swim, only to collapse on a rock out of exhaustion. Two nearby Scottish campers, initially thinking he had swum from a nearby town, were astonished to learn he had come from Ireland.
Having taken up sea swimming only after the pandemic, Daniel lacks competitive pool swimming experience. Encouraged by his coach, he first participated in a relay channel swim with the Red Hot Chilli Dippers last year before setting his sights on the North Channel.
Daniel’s achievement is pending ratification by the Irish Long Distance Swimming Association. Once confirmed, he will surpass Jessika Robson, who also completed the North Channel at age 17, by being younger within his 17th year. Daniel and Jessika, who are friends, have previously swum together.
English