Credit: Photo(s) provided by Paule Kremer
This time last year, Luxembourgish open-water / long distance swimmer Paule Kremer completed the coveted "Triple Crown" when swimming the "20 Bridges" swim around Manhattan Island in New York City - she had previously swum the English Channel swim (between England and France) in 2017 and the Catalina Channel (in California) open-water swim in 2022.
Now, in August 2024, Paule Kremer swam from Europe to Africa, completing the Gibraltar Strait crossing in a time of three hours and 55 minutes - in comparison, the 20 Bridges swim took over eight hours and the other two each took over thirteen hours.
Chronicle.lu caught up with Paule Kremer who described her preparation and the crossing itself.
Chronicle.lu: Congratulations on completing the Gibraltar Strait swim! How were you feeling once you touched dry land and stepped out of the water?
Paule Kremer: I felt really good and fresh! It was not a long swim so did not feel a drained as with the previous swims. However, we were not allowed to exit the water, only touch the shore!
Chronicle.lu: What did you do in the 24 hours immediately before the swim? Relax or exercise? Load up on carbs?
Paule Kremer: I tried to eat well and rest and tried not to stress too much about the swim. I also went for a little swim.
Chronicle.lu: How long had you been planning this, administratively (obviously, you cannot simply turn up and start swimming)?
Paule Kremer: I was on the waiting list since 2018 so had to wait for me to be able to swim. Obviously Covid restrictions also put a hold on swimmers to be able to swim!
Chronicle.lu: How did you train for this? Was there anything you did differently to before?
Paule Kremer: Since this one was a shorter one, my longest swim was only four hours long with a lot of technique and endurance sessions in the pool!
Chronicle.lu: Who chooses in which direction you swim?
Paule Kremer: The Gibraltar Swimming Association chooses the direction the swimmer takes.
Chronicle.lu: Did you have your own support team with you, or are they officially assigned to you? And did other swimmers take part with you, or did you do so alone?
Paule Kremer: My boyfriend was my crew feeding me and I was able to swim together with a German swimmer who was also on the waiting list since the association allows up to four people crossing in one go.
Chronicle.lu: How did the swim itself differ from the other three in the "Triple Crown"?
Paule Kremer: It was short and sweet, also the water was fascinating, so blue and beautiful.
Chronicle.lu: Did you experience any obstacles during the swim, or come across any creatures, friendly or dangerous?
Paule Kremer: The crew managed to see a moonfish, dolphins and some whales. We managed to see dolphins on our way back on the boat.
Chronicle.lu: What type of food could you eat for energy, while you were swimming?
Paule Kremer: The food needs to be liquid for quick feeding, so it's maltodextrine drinks.
Chronicle.lu: What are your future plans in long distance / open water challenges? What is your next goal(s)? Last year you mentioned the North Channel between Ireland and Scotland, or maybe you have considered the Rottnest Swim in Australia (a 20km swim from Perth to Rottnest Island)?
Paule Kremer: I will swim the North Channel next year in August since it is part of the Oceans Seven. [...] I do want to complete the Oceans Seven one day so this one was the third one with the North Channel next year the fourth. I have already done the English and the Catalina Channel.
