I finished my Catalina Swim!

I battled strong currents for several hours in the busiest container shipping channel in US and conquered the Catalina Channel swim! I became the youngest girl, at the age of 15, to have successfully swum from both Catalina and Anacapa!

This swim’s length was 20+ miles and her unofficial completion time was 14:22.35, from Doctor’s Cove (Catalina island) to Terranea Beach (Mainland LA). She started at 10:36pm the night before and finished just before 1pm. For this swim, I trained by swimming more than 35 km a week for several months with coach Evan Morrison, who helped, guided, and ensured I was ready.

First and foremost, I want to thank my parents, Archana and Hemant, for continually supporting me with all my goals and letting me do whatever I put my mind to. Also, I want to thank my sister, Amber, for inspiring me every day to push my limits and for swimming with me all the time. One of the biggest reason I finished was because of Evan Morrison. While I was training, Evan, my coach, and guide to marathon swimming woke up way too early to kayak as I swam in the SF Bay. Thank you, Evan!

My crew chief, Lisa Amorao, is the most prepared, thoughtful, supportive person. Lisa has been there since my first Alcatraz and has been the key opening the door of all open water swimming has to offer. A hugeee thank you to Lisa! (shout out to David, Prim, and Tanner for coming along )
Gretchen Fermer - a hilarious, sweet person. Gretchen kayaked when the winds were at its peak and encouraged me throughout the swim. Thank you, Gretchen! 
I have known Scott Tapley for a few years now, and he has always been so helpful and supportive. He knows so much about the sport and is always happy to share the knowledge. Thank you, Scott! 
Dawn Brooks has a contagious cheerful personality and is a skilled kayaker. I enjoyed swimming alongside her; it reminded me of when she piloted for my Anacapa swim. Thank you, Dawn!
The Pacific Star Crew - a great boat with a great crew. Thank you to Captain Dave and Jake for guiding me from the Island to shore.

A huge thank you to Catalina Channel Swimming Federation and Kelley Prebil and Nancy Greenblatt for observing my swim.