English Channel: Melbourne schoolgirl aims to be youngest Aussie in 25 years to cross
Written for the Herald Sun. View original article.
THIS schoolgirl is not just treading water. Fernanda Lopez Garza, 15, from Brighton is aiming to become the youngest female Australian swimmer in 25 years to cross the English Channel. The teenager will embark on the 12 to 13 hour ‘solo crossing’ in September accompanied by a support boat and only pausing for feeding breaks. This feat will also earn her the title of the youngest Victorian ever to do the 32 kilometre swim. Fernanda hopes to inspire other youth to make a splash in the world. “I’m going to attempt to swim from England to France because I want to show that young people can achieve big things,” said Fernanda. “I want to motivate people to get out of their comfort zone and get out there in the world.”
Fernanda Lopez Garza is training to swim across the English Channel. Picture: Alex Coppel
Fernanda Lopez Garza is training to swim across the English Channel. Picture: Alex Coppel
Fernanda Lopez Garza is training to swim across the English Channel. Picture: Alex Coppel
This incredible attempt will also be self-funded. Fundraising will support her trip to England and her chosen charity, Misión México. Fernanda feels a connection with the Mexican orphanage because of its Australian owners and her Mexican background. She spent time volunteering there in 2012, teaching the children how to swim and read. “It really opened my eyes to what we have and what we take for granted,” said Fernanda. Fernanda is training for the swim under Australian ultra-marathon swimmer Chloe McCardel. In 2015 McCardel became the first Australian to complete a non-stop English Channel triple crossing. Since October 2015 Fernanda has been training for the swim every day at Firbank Aquastars Swim Club and Brighton Baths. Just months out, her preparation is going swimmingly. “I’m not too nervous at the moment. I’ve done a lot of training so I’m feeling confident, but I know when I get to England it will all kick in.”
