Photo By Sgt. Reba Benally | Army Spc. Andrea Nein from the 420th Military Police Company and Ashley Clark, the...... read more read more
Subscribe
GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba - It is always easy to set a goal. But often schedules get changed, events occur or the goal itself has lost its influence. To complete a goal, especially a goal that causes apprehension, takes dedication and sacrifice.
On Saturday morning, 45 swimmers conquered a 1.7-mile swim across Guantanamo Bay. The annual event has been a goal that most swimmers considered more of a mental than physical challenge.
“I swam across Guantanamo Bay, which physically — not a problem. I feel great. For me it was more of a mental game to get over my fears that my friends and family know that I’m frightened to do this. But I did it; I conquered it. Checked it off my list,” said Ashley Clark, the 525th Military Police Battalion Family Readiness Group leader.
Anthony Roberts, the aquatic manager and event organizer, and his team required a swimming test for the participants before they could compete, to help ensure swimmers weren’t in over their heads.
“Before you sign up, there is a swim assessment that each swimmer has to take, such as a 500-yard swim. They tread in water for 15 minutes. If you can swim for 500 yards, without stopping, all you got to do is train and then you will be able to accomplish the 1.7 mile bay swim,” Roberts said.
Across the Bay started nine years ago. A group of dedicated swimmers would choose a random day of the year, usually Thanksgiving Day, to swim across GTMO. As more swimmers participated, it became more organized with lifeguards, safety boats, and kayak guides to make sure swimmers continued the correct course.
Clark was very proud she completed the course and was able to participate this year. Last year, she was not able to partake and battled her fears to participate in this event.
“I’m really proud of myself. When I talked to my kids last night I told them that I was afraid and very frightened. They knew I was going to do this. I said I’m going to show you that even when you’re scared you can do it. So, I wanted to do it; I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it,” Clark said.
Clark also gave some advice for anyone who is thinking about Across the Bay or any other MWR events in GTMO.
“People need to go out and take advantage. There’s so much to do here. A lot of Soldiers find themselves doing the same thing, going to work, stuck in their rooms, when there is so much more out there. Challenge yourself and push yourself because this is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Clark said. “And now I can say that I did it, and I’m proud of myself.”
| Date Taken: | 11.29.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 06.16.2015 13:11 |
| Story ID: | 166806 |
| Location: | GUANTANAMO BAY, CU |
| Web Views: | 251 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Just keep swimming, by SGT Reba Benally, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
