9 Year Old Boy Swims From Alcatraz To San Francisco

[matcom]

<snip>

SAN FRANCISCO --A nine-year-old boy has just finished a pretty tough morning swim -- from Alcatraz to San Francisco.

Johnny Wilson, from Hillsborough, made the 1.4-mile swim in under two hours, braving choppy morning waters and rough winds in a portion of the San Francisco bay known to have sharks as well.

Wilson's classmates were waiting for him on shore, cheering as he made it all the way to Aquatic Park.

His effort raised about $30,000 for the Red Cross Katrina Hurricane Victims Fund.

Wilson said the toughest part of the swim was the beginning, because it was cold and windy.

http://www.boston.com/news/odd/articles/2005/10/10/boy_9_swims_from_alcatraz_to_san_fran?mode=PF

[GOPisEvil]

1. That's a tougher swim than heading the other direction. (I think)

Wow - that's pretty impressive.

I think the current pushes one toward the northern shore, not the southern. I think. ;)

[RetroLounge]

2. Did he escape from Alcatraz!

Tough Kid...

RL

[Shine]

3. Now this story I actually heard about cuz we get the SF Chronicle

The mom said the main thing she was worried about were the SHARKS. Great.

I have a daughter that turns 9 in a couple o' weeks and I cannot even imagine being willing to let my kid do that. But hey, that's just me.

It's a very inspiring story, though. Good for that kid to learn at such a young age what a difference one person can make.

A true blessing...

Shine

[Oeditpus Rex]

4. I woke up to this on KCBS radio

First thing I thought was what Shine said — who'd let their kid do this? :shrug:

The reason a federal prison was put on Alcatraz Island was for it to be "escape-proof." If the cold water and nasty waves didn't get you, the sharks would.

Two guys did escape, though. But they were older than 9 and didn't have much to lose.