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Metro United Swim Coach Swims English Channel
 Tina Neill
photo courtesy of Macalester Athletics
St. Anthony is very proud to have our very own Tina Neill, the Metro United swim team coach, as a holder of a Guinness world record. On August 22, 2003 Neill swam the English Channel in 13 hours and 22 minutes. Not only is she the first Minnesotan and 37th person from the United States to do so, but she is first to complete such a journey by backstroke. In her honor, August 22, 2006 was declared Tina Neill Day by Governor Tim Pawlenty.
"It is you versus Mother Nature," mentions Neill. "You have to trust her and deal with her consequences." Because the conditions are always changing, Tina learned to control the things that are controllable and be flexible with those that aren't. Though the distance across the Channel is 21 miles as the ferries go, Neill swam 30 miles because of the tide and currents. At some points throughout the Channel the difference between high and low tide can be an astonishing 40 feet.
Proper preparation is a key part of long distance swimming. Neill started swimming at the age of eight in California, and has since competed in several long distance swims and races throughout the world. She trains in pools during the winter, but once lake temperatures reach 56 degrees in the spring, she swims in area lakes. Training in these conditions prepared her for the Channel where water temperature was 60-62 degrees. No wet suits are allowed for these types of swims; just a swim suit, goggles, swim cap and grease (such as Vaseline or lanolin) to help protect the swimmer from elements in the water.
Swimming several miles across an ocean filled with numerous creatures is not very calming, but with a support boat next to you putting your safety as their priority, the feat is a little more feasible.
"You think about how insignificant you are out there in the ocean," describes Neill. It often gets difficult to focus on the stroke count, and the mind wanders. Neill mentioned coming back to reality about every 45 minutes when she gets time for a feeding to give her energy for the demanding swim.
Neill was hired into the Metro United program shortly into 2004. Now in its fourth season, Neill claims this year's team is very close knit and has had many incredible swims. She enjoys working with this fun bunch of girls and is looking forward to see what the program will bring for next year.
Although it would be difficult to surpass her world records and accomplishments, Tina is currently researching more swims for the future.
By: Nina Kaczrowski, Student Information Director
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