There’s no stopping endurance athlete Howard Warrington, who continues to break records, this time as the only man in history to complete the open-water swim from Robben Island to Bloubergstrand a mammoth 200 times – and for raising an unprecedented R160 000 for the Cape of Good Hope SPCA.
The epic swim took place on Sunday (23 June) and was watched and cheered by thousands, the SPCA calling him a “champion for animals”.
Warrington (59) completed the swim in two hours and 36 minutes, swimming “skins” (only in a Speedo) in water temperatures of 13,2 °C.
“Wow, what a day!” he exclaimed the day after. “Swimming conditions and the weather were absolutely perfect. And meeting many awesome people on the beach was very special.”
He was given a hero’s welcome. “The highlight was achieving, and exceeding, our fundraising goal of R160 000 for the SPCA. I can’t thank everyone enough for donating and for the incredible support leading up to the day. My heart is overflowing with gratitude and happiness!”
In a statement the SPCA expressed heart-warming words of gratitude.
“Thank you, Howard!” it stated. “You have touched hearts, inspired many, and have made a big difference for the animals in our care. You are our hero, with every stroke, enduring the cold water, waves and currents you were saving lives. A huge thank you to all who have supported Howard’s incredible effort.”
Asked what’s next, the record-breaking athlete said he won’t rule out further Robben Island crossings, but mentioned he was looking forward to a “Surf & Turf” challenge.
“In November, a friend and I will be on our mountain bikes for Wines2Whales, a three-day stage race, for the Cape of Good Hope SPCA,” he said. “And in December, a group of friends and I will swim 20 km from Gordon’s Bay to Rooi Els for a children’s charity to be announced soon.”
