Kim set to swim English Channel

Next month Kim, 60, plans to realise that dream by making the 12-hour, 34km swim from Dover to Cap Gris Nez.

“I’ve always wanted to do it,” Kim said.

“I was an underage swimmer and was 13 or 14 when Des Renford did it.”

This long-distance swim is not just about Kim fulfilling a challenge he set himself years ago; it is also to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy Tasmania.

“My sister-in-law was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy and I decided to raise funds for her. She suggested fundraising for the organisation,” said Kim, from Devon Hills.

“If I can help just one person I’m happy. That’s the real reason I’m doing this iconic cold-water swim.”

Kim hasn’t set a fundraising target but he has already surpassed $4400.

“I want the money to help people suffering now, rather than go to research, such as paying for a nurse or a motorised wheelchair.”

As a past triathlon competitor Kim knows what it takes to complete an endurance event.

“I train almost every day. I have one to two days off per week. There’s no training program so I had to nut it out myself.

“I’ve been in training for over 18 months. It’s been a long time coming.”

His training has included swimming at Trevallyn Dam and Launceston Aquatic Centre and a six-hour qualifying swim in 15.5-degree temperatures at Coles Bay in April with 15 other channel hopefuls.

Kim booked his channel challenge almost two years ago and will hit the water in the week beginning September 11. He is swimming under the auspices of the Channel Swimming Association.

“I’m the third person booked in that week so I’ll be mid to late in the week,” he said. “I’ll get a call six hours before I’m due to swim.”

When he finishes, Kim will join the list of only 1400 people who have managed the gruelling swim.