Belgian athlete postpones lake crossing in Geneva after storm alarm
Published: Sunday, Sep 1st 2024, 15:10
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Belgian swimmer Marieke Blomme has had to postpone her planned crossing of Lake Geneva on Sunday due to a storm warning. The federal government warned of a considerable danger from possible storms in the region with lots of lightning and hail.
A decision on a new start time should be made around 9 p.m., Blomme announced on Instagram. There is a "very small" chance that she could still start in the evening or early Monday. Originally, she wanted to start at 4 p.m. on Sunday.
The sports trainer wants to cross the length of the lake - over 70 kilometers - in less than 22 hours. She was the first woman to swim the entire length of the Belgian coast. The athlete covered the 67 kilometers in 18 hours and 45 minutes.
The swimmer from Ghent is now aiming to break the record for crossing Lake Geneva, which currently stands at 22 hours and 42 minutes. The swimmer's goal is to beat the 22-hour mark.
With her new record attempt, Blomme wants to support the non-profit association Si belle mobilité, which aims to make it easier for people with disabilities to take part in winter sports. The ultimate goal is to set up a sports and physiotherapy area in a hotel that the association has purchased.
Alain Charmey from Vaud was the first person to swim the entire length of Lake Geneva on August 6, 1986. In the summer of 2022, Flavie Capozzi swam across the lake twice, from Geneva to Veytaux VD and back. She spent over 60 hours in the water to cover the 150-kilometre distance.
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