In her continuing cancer fundraising efforts, 16-year-old Maya Merhige will tackle the English Channel this month.
Merhige has tackled big swims in the past, including swimming to Catalina Channel, the Kaiwi (Molokai) Channel, Manhattan Island (20 Bridges), Lake Tahoe (length and width), Angel Island, and Three Rocks. Now, she has set her sights on swimming the English Channel, the third and final swim of the “Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming.”
Maya also holds the world record as the youngest woman to swim the 21-mile length, 12-mile width, and 10.8-mile Vikingsholm courses of Lake Tahoe, earning her the Tahoe Triple Crown. She also became the youngest swimmer in the world to successfully swim the grueling 26-mile Kaiwi Molokai Channel between the Hawaiian Islands of Molokai and Oahu, which she completed in 27 hrs and 33 mins. She also holds a record for the longest duration and joined the “24-Hour Club” ranks with the 108th longest non-stop open water swim ever.
“This year is special for many reasons,” notes Maya Merhige. “This year marks my ninth year participating with Swim Across America. With the generous support of family, friends, and others, I have raised over $90,000 to fight cancer, which has gone directly to the Swim Across America – San Francisco beneficiary UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals. This past year, I’ve also endured some health battles, and my personal experience has inspired me to be even more passionate about supporting UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals. I will also be a senior in high school this fall, and next year will look very different for me as I leave home to start college. So this is the year to swim the English Channel!”
Maya will attempt the swim between Wednesday, July 10, and Saturday, July 20. The day selected will be based on weather and sea conditions. Her swim will raise funds for Swim Across America, which raises funds for cancer research through swimming. Ways to donate here.
________________
Swim Across America, Inc. (SAA) raises money and awareness for cancer research, prevention, and treatment through swimming-related events. With the help of volunteers and Olympians, Swim Across America is an innovator and leader who gives hope to those fighting cancer. To learn more, visit swimacrossamerica.org, Facebook @SwimAcrossAmerica, Instagram, and Twitter @SAASwim.
