20 Bridges Swim

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If he can make it there…

Gerrard is gearing up for the 20 Bridges Swim around Manhattan Island. Scheduled for July 11th, 2025, this incredible journey will see Gerrard become the first totally blind person (from birth) to tackle this feat. The swim covers an impressive 48.8 kilometres, taking him under some of New York City's most iconic bridges, including the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, Williamsburg Bridge, and the George Washington Bridge, among others. What makes this swim even more unique is that Gerrard and his team have chosen to take on the challenge at night, adding an extra layer of excitement and complexity.

Gerrard's team is made up of experienced guide swimmers Hayden Armstrong, Jo Smallacombe, Phil Edwards, and Nick Barclay, who will provide crucial support throughout the swim. The team will navigate the East River, Harlem River, and Hudson River. Veteran filmmaker Anthony Gordon will be capturing every moment of this historic attempt, so we can all be a part of it.

As Gerrard and his team prepare to head to America mid-year, they're looking forward to a New York twist on their traditional pre-swim breakfast: swapping bacon and egg rolls for bacon, egg, and cheese bagels.

Map of the 20 bridges swim, markers are set at each bridge along the course
Late sunset / early evening glow over the Brooklyn Bridge. The New York City skyline stretches out in the background.
Night time shot of one pylon of the George Washington bridge. The bridge stretches out either side of the pylon with the New York City skyline in the background.
Dawn short of the Williamsburg bridge. The Brooklyn skyline is visible underneath the span of the bridge.
Evening shot of the RFK Triboro Bridge. The last seconds of the sunset are visible over the New York skyline, dissolving into the night sky at the top of the shot. The lights of the city and the bridge are reflected on the water underneath the bridge