New York Swimmer Sets Out to Conquer the English Channel
A determined New Yorker is making headlines this week as she prepares to swim across the challenging 21 miles of the English Channel. Fleur Sohtz, a 47-year-old marketing executive based in Manhattan, is on a mission to become the first woman from New York City to complete the prestigious Triple Crown of open water swimming.
Fleur’s journey is truly remarkable. “I’ve cried at the end of every swim, but they are happy tears,” she shared. For her, the joy of achievement outweighs the physical exhaustion. With past successful swims in both the Catalina Channel and around Manhattan, she is now ready to tackle her next challenge.
Sohtz, who hails from Brooklyn, plans to take the plunge on August 29, guided by a dedicated kayaker who will accompany her throughout the swim. Given the unpredictable currents, she may end up swimming as far as 26 miles. That’s the distance equivalent to walking from Luna Park in Coney Island, through Manhattan, all the way to the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx. It’s no small feat, and she estimates the swim could take anywhere from 12 to 16 hours. To make it even tougher, she will forgo a wetsuit and won’t be allowed to touch her kayaker, all while facing chilly waters around 69 degrees.
Throughout her open water adventures, Sohtz has encountered wildlife, including sharks, which she has learned to embrace rather than fear. During a night swim off San Francisco, a shark swam close by her. “I thought it was a bump from the boat,” she recounted with laughter. “It was only later I realized what it was. But I just kept swimming.”
Completing this swim will be a significant milestone for Sohtz, marking her achievement of the Triple Crown, which includes successful swims in the English Channel, Catalina Channel, and around Manhattan. Only 366 individuals worldwide have achieved this honor, with fewer than 150 being women. This accomplishment will surely inspire many New Yorkers, encouraging them to pursue their own extraordinary challenges.
Coincidentally, Sohtz’s birthday aligns with the historic day when Gertrude Ederle became the first woman to swim across the English Channel. This connection adds a deeper meaning to her journey and speaks to the rich history of female empowerment in sports.
Sohtz’s passion for swimming began at an early age. Growing up in Manhattan Beach, she competed for Midwood High School and worked as a lifeguard at Jacob Riis Park. After a brief hiatus from competitive swimming during her university years, she returned with aspirations for longer swims.
In 2021, she kick-started her Triple Crown quest by swimming around Manhattan, completing the 28.5-mile route in 8.5 hours. Her determination to maintain that swim despite concerns over pollution demonstrated her commitment to her city and the sport. The experience was an unforgettable one. “Swimming under the Brooklyn Bridge, backstroking past iconic landmarks, and feeling the support of friends along the shoreline made it one of the greatest moments of my life,” she reflected fondly.
Now, to prepare for the English Channel, Sohtz trains with her team at the Asphalt Green facility on the Upper East Side and swims at Brighton Beach once a week. Notably, her swim also serves a charitable purpose. Sohtz has raised over $23,000 for free swim programs in New York, aiming to increase that amount before she sets off.
“I think many people stereotype New Yorkers as being incapable of basic skills like swimming or driving,” Sohtz remarked. “I can do two of those well—driving is another matter! But I hope my journey shows kids from the five boroughs what they can aspire to achieve.”
Fleur Sohtz’s upcoming swim across the English Channel is not just a personal challenge; it’s a celebration of determination, resilience, and the spirit of New York. As she embarks on this monumental journey, she carries the hopes and inspiration of many fellow New Yorkers with her.
