Member in the Spotlight: Chris Pitman

At Horizon Leisure Centres, we’re proud to support our members and past staff in their inspiring pursuits. One of those people is Chris Pitman, a former swim teacher and aqua instructor at Horizon, who has gone on to achieve incredible feats in long-distance open water swimming. Here, Chris shares her story in her own words:

“I’m one of those crazy people you’ve probably read about or seen on TV who swim in the sea all year round in just a swimming costume, goggles, and cap, regardless of the temperature. Yes, I’m a long distance open water swimmer.”

“I worked for Horizon for nearly 20 years, mainly as a swim teacher and Aqua Instructor. After retiring, I found myself with more time to indulge my passion of long distance open water swimming. I have swam the Channel many times, which as the crow flies, is 21 miles from Dover to Cap Griz-Nez, the closest part of France. However, due to the strong tides and currents, you could end up swimming much further.”

“Since taking up the sport in my late fifties, I have had to overcome both mental and physical challenges to successfully complete many long distance swims, including five English Channel relays and a two-way relay to France and back.”

“This year, I find myself with two Channel swims across the busiest shipping land in the world. Firstly with a team that was postponed from last year due to poor weather. And, secondly, a Guinness World Record attempt for the oldest mixed relay team to swim across the Channel. Training for endurance events which tests mental strength and tolerance of the cold is hard at any age but with a six-person team having a combined age of 457 years, an average of 76, it’s going to be a tough challenge.”

“Training for such events includes many hours of pool and sea training sessions. Since February, I have been training at Waterlooville Leisure Centre pool and would like to thank Horizon Leisure Centres for their support through their kind donation of the use of a lane on a Sunday morning.”

“Each year, I choose a charity to raise awareness of the work they do. This year, I am choosing ‘Stop Domestic Abuse‘. Please visit my page if you would like to follow my progress with my swims this summer.”

Background to Channel Swimming

“The English Channel is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world with approximately 600 container ships and tankers passing through and 200 ferries and other vessels going across daily. To imagine the swim, think about walking slowly across the M25 in rush hour.”

Chris’ Record-Breaking Swims

“2016 was a successful three-person relay team swim around Jersey, followed two days later by a two-person relay from Jersey to France where we set a new record for the fastest relay time in 6 hours 44 minutes.”

“In 2017, I was part of a ladies team of six who successfully broke the record for the oldest ladies team to swim to France. The youngest was 57 and the oldest 76, with a combined age of 393 years.”

“In 2019, I was back in Jersey for a solo swim to France. After 9 hours and 46 minutes of fighting through washing machine conditions, I successfully landed in France. At 69, I managed to set a new record for the oldest person to have completed this swim.”

“In 2022, I completed a solo swim around Jersey, 38 miles in total, finishing in 11 hours 32 minutes. My aim was just to complete the swim; setting a new record as the oldest person to have done it was the icing on the cake.”

We’re incredibly proud to have played a small part in her training. Her story is a powerful reminder that age is no barrier to achievement, and that passion, perseverance, and community can drive extraordinary accomplishments. You can follow Chris’s progress this summer and support her chosen charity, Stop Domestic Abuse, as she takes on yet another challenge in the open water.