a horrible accident indeed... and an OW swimmer's worst nightmare.
i did see a pic of John Caughlin walking around, and hear that his spirits are good.
Tragic. One of the stories I read about this indicated the boat was actually an escort boat. If so, that may be even worse.
I don't think it was an escort boat. The comments section gives a detailed account of the accident--it looks like one of the even organizers made a comment.
This tragedy has been haunting me since I heard of it. I am so sad for this swimmer--what a miracle that he is even alive after his body went through such a shock. I hope that this story is pursued and the details of what happened are brought to light. It is really important that we make open water swimming as safe as possible. It is such a glorious experience, the sport must go on. But we have to do better than this. I feel real grief for this man as he deals with life without his arm. Truly, a swimmer's worst nightmare. Motor boats really scare me. If anyone knows this man and can let us know how he is doing, I would really love to know. He has been in my prayers, he really has.
Thank you so much for this information. I will keep checking the Pacific Masters Swimming website to see how he is doing. I find it touching that he enjoyed hearing from the winning relay team from Australia. Maybe the Masters swimming community generally could send him cards? I feel like we swimmers are all connected to one another in our love for the water and for swimming. I don't know where we'd send it--it looks like the San Mateo club he is with is a fitness center. If anyone has any thoughts on how we might show our support for John Coughlin, I would love to hear them.
Thank you so much for this information. I will keep checking the Pacific Masters Swimming website to see how he is doing. I find it touching that he enjoyed hearing from the winning relay team from Australia. Maybe the Masters swimming community generally could send him cards? I feel like we swimmers are all connected to one another in our love for the water and for swimming. I don't know where we'd send it--it looks like the San Mateo club he is with is a fitness center. If anyone has any thoughts on how we might show our support for John Coughlin, I would love to hear them.
Here's the San Mateo Masters website, www.smccd.edu/.../masters.asp
there is contact info there for the head coach. I'm sure if you wanted to send John a note they would give you contact info.
Thank you so much for this information. I will keep checking the Pacific Masters Swimming website to see how he is doing. I find it touching that he enjoyed hearing from the winning relay team from Australia. Maybe the Masters swimming community generally could send him cards? I feel like we swimmers are all connected to one another in our love for the water and for swimming. I don't know where we'd send it--it looks like the San Mateo club he is with is a fitness center. If anyone has any thoughts on how we might show our support for John Coughlin, I would love to hear them.
Here's the San Mateo Masters website, www.smccd.edu/.../masters.asp
there is contact info there for the head coach. I'm sure if you wanted to send John a note they would give you contact info.
Thank you, Brian, what a great idea. I just emailed the coach. If he agrees it's a good idea to send cards there or to John Couglin directly, I will let you guys know.
This tragedy has been haunting me since I heard of it. I am so sad for this swimmer--what a miracle that he is even alive after his body went through such a shock. I hope that this story is pursued and the details of what happened are brought to light. It is really important that we make open water swimming as safe as possible. It is such a glorious experience, the sport must go on. But we have to do better than this. I feel real grief for this man as he deals with life without his arm. Truly, a swimmer's worst nightmare. Motor boats really scare me. If anyone knows this man and can let us know how he is doing, I would really love to know. He has been in my prayers, he really has.
Here's the latest we've heard about John Coughlin, a San Mateo masters swimmer from our pacific Weekly Update:
Thoughts and Prayers
San Mateo Swimmer severely injured
Maui Channel Swim
John Coughlin of the San Mateo Athletic Club was severely injured when he was sucked in the propeller wash of a nearby boat. The 41 year old swimmer from Half Moon Bay was about the finish the 9.6 mile Maui Channel Swim.
I have heard that John is doing well. He is out of ICU and in the regular part of the hospital. There was pizza and Coke delivered to his room one night. John received note from the Australian relay team that won the Maui channel swim - he was stoked about that.
Our thoughts and prayers are with John and his family. As information becomes available, it will be posted on the web site.
You can check for more information on the Pacific Masters web site:
www.pacificmasters.org
