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
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
