Blind Adventurer Gerrard Gosens to Attempt Historic World Record

Manhattan Island and English Channel Swims in a Single Calendar Month

Internationally acclaimed blind athlete, adventurer, and motivational powerhouse Gerrard Gosens is set to make history with a daring and unprecedented open water swimming world record attempt: completing both the 20 Bridges Swim around Manhattan Island and the English Channel crossing within a single calendar month.

Blind since birth, Gerrard has never let vision loss define his limits. A three-time Paralympian, chocolate entrepreneur, Everest climber, and Order of Australia Medal recipient, he now sets his sights on open water swimming’s two most iconic challenges—back-to-back.

“This isn’t just about breaking records, it’s about breaking perceptions of what’s possible—

whether you’re blind, disabled, or facing your own mountain to climb.”

The Double Challenge

20 Bridges Swim (48.5 km) – A gruelling circumnavigation of Manhattan Island through three rivers, with strong currents and varying conditions (11th July 2025).

English Channel (33.8 km) – Considered the Mount Everest of open water swimming, the Channel presents cold waters, heavy traffic, unpredictable tides, and often brutal weather (July 24th-30th 2025).

Both swims are challenging for any swimmer—but for Gerrard, who will navigate these waters blind, they represent an extraordinary test of endurance, trust, and courage. He will be guided through the swims by an experienced open water safety team using verbal cues and proximity-based support.

A Mission Beyond the Swim

Gerrard’s journey is not just personal—it’s a message to the world about inclusion, determination, and resilience. Alongside his world record bid, he is also raising awareness and funds for organisations supporting accessibility and opportunity for people living with disability.

“Every stroke I take in these swims is for those who’ve been told ‘you can’t.’

I want to be living proof that you absolutely can.”

Follow the Journey

Media, supporters, and the public are invited to follow Gerrard’s progress and preparation via his official channels and real-time tracking during both swims.

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