Alex Chantler Chantler-mayne

Alex is about to turn 13 - he is a remarkable young man. In September 2010 at the age of just 12 he became part of the youngest team in history to swim across the English Channel from Dover to France. Alex went through a rigorous selection process and trained for 2 years in order to make the crossing. He trained in freezing sea and lakes without a wetsuit for month after month to get aclimatized to the cold. He waited for weeks for weather good enough to make an attempt until one day the boat pilot said to him: 'You can go in an hours time but it will be against the tides all the way and you will have to swim most of it in the dark overnight, yes or no?' He didn't have to be asked twice and despite gigantic tankers and French sailing yachts bearing down on him, rough seas and swimming in cold pitch black waters, Alex dug deep and achieved his world record - Youngest Team in history to Swim Across the English Channel. They broke a world record which had stood since 1968! Despite all of the team being just 12, they were also the fastest junior relay of 2010, completing the swim in just 13 hours 25 mins and 30 secs. Alex is one of a team of six from the Bristol area who made the historic swim. As their team manager, I have nominated them all, but each would be happy if it was possible for only one to be chosen to represent them all. See their website for further information about their amazing achievement: www.bestswim.co.uk