National Women’s Month (August) in South Africa will see 18-year-old Amber-Rose Berry of Cape Town attempt to become the youngest South African woman (and man) to swim the English Channel. From Dover Beach, she will head for Cap Gris-Nez, but currents make it unlikely that will be her real end-point. The most common place for swimmers to finish is Calais in France.
According to the official Channel Swimming Association, a successful Amber-Rose Crossing will make her the youngest South African to swim the channel, eclipsing the current record holders. She follows another record-breaking South African, Otto Thaning, who is the oldest man to swim the English Channel at the age of 73 years on Sept. 6, 2014. Perhaps, a double honor coming for Brand South Africa.
Amber-Rose is already the youngest woman to make the gruelling solo swim across Cape Town’s False Bay from Miller’s Point in Simon’s Town to Rooiels near Pringle Bay, a distance of 34 kms (21 miles). This was done under the auspices of the Cape Long Distance Swimming Association. Her English Channel crossing will take place between August 21 and 27 depending on weather, tides and currents.
BELIEVE IN WHAT YOU CAN ACHIEVE: The inspirational slogan and call-to action of the AMBER-ROSE CROSSING 2026 is aimed at resonating with all under-privileged and struggling athletes and learners.
The marathon swim will raise funds for the Ukukhula Institute which providers bursaries for disadvantaged student-athletes from Eastern Cape high schools to attend Rhodes University. Opening in 2027, the high-performance sports academy will be based in South Africa’s historic town of Makhanda, formerly Grahamstown.
It is supported by a co-funding grant from the Rhodes University Trust USA and other contributors. Donors and sponsors are encouraged to join the support coalition. Please contact Donovan Neale-May, RUT USA chair and executive director of the CMO Council, another Team Berry booster, to lend support. Or make a donation online at www.rhodesalumni.com and earmark this for the Amber-Rose Crossing 2026.
Contact Info:
Donovan Neale-May
16502225260 (WhatsApp)
