Robin Mayall, a longtime employee of the City of Eugene, turned her two‑year training plan into a historic achievement on Aug. 26 when she swam the 21‑mile English Channel from Shakespeare Beach in England to the French shore. The 60‑year‑old serial sky‑diver and Ironman finisher estimated the crossing would take about 15 hours; she finished in roughly 14, battling wind, waves and relentless jellyfish stings.
Family crew and faith‑filled preparation
Mayall’s husband and daughter served as her on‑water crew, learning a simple flag code to signal her during the swim. Their support echoed the traditional family values that strengthen our neighborhoods. Before launching, Mayall consulted with Mary Ward, the niece of legendary swimmer Gertrude Ederle, whose 1926 crossing inspired Mayall’s own dream.
Facing the elements
The swim began at 10:30 a.m. after a brief rest on the boat. Mayall coated herself in a blend of lanolin and Vaseline, a time‑tested method to reduce friction and protect against the cold. Early miles were “lumpy,” but she kept a steady rhythm. As night fell, she entered a five‑hour darkness stretch, a test of both physical stamina and mental resolve.
Midway, the wind surged to 19‑31 mph, a range pilots usually avoid for channel attempts. Jellyfish—both the common stinging varieties and the bioluminescent moon jellies—peppered her path, delivering bites that she likened to nettles and, later, to a hornet’s nest. Mayall kept a light‑hearted attitude, calling the encounters “booping jellyfish” and greeting each creature with a friendly “Hi friend!”
‘Hour of power’ and the final push
When her daughter Asa signaled two purple lightsticks, Mayall launched a “hard 30,” a sprint to combat the shifting tide. She increased her stroke rate by five strokes per minute, pushing through a painful sting that felt like a flamethrower on her forearm. The effort stretched to 90 minutes, during which waves crashed over her and the boat rocked violently.
Near the end, Mayall felt a persistent cough and throat clearing—early signs of swimming‑induced pulmonary edema (SIPE), a condition her pilot Sylvia had warned her about. Recognizing the warning, Mayall slowed her pace just enough to stay safe while still pressing toward the French shore.
Triumph and gratitude
At the final half‑mile, Mayall saw the French coastline and exclaimed, “I have done it, I have swum to France.” Joy and relief washed over her as the adrenaline faded. She completed the crossing with the support of her family crew, who called out “Last feed!” as she approached the shore.
Mayall’s achievement underscores the power of perseverance, family support, and disciplined preparation—values that resonate deeply in our community. Her story serves as an inspiring reminder that with faith in one’s abilities and the backing of loved ones, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome.
Original reporting: Homepage – Lookout Eugene-Springfield — read the source article.
