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Show your support for James Cracknell

by Sean C - BBC Sport (U6776929) 22 February 2008
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There are challenges, and then there are challenges, but what James Cracknell is doing for Sport Relief is the either the bravest or stupidest challenge I have ever heard.

The double Olympic gold medalist is making his way from the Uk to Africa entirely under his own steam.

He is rowing across the English channel, and then cycling all the way down though France and Spain to Gibraltar - a cool 1395 miles.

And when he gets to Gibraltar what is he going to do? Put his feet up? maybe relax with a glass of Sangria?

Not on your nelly, the quite clearly crackers Cracknell is going to swim across the treacherous Straights of Gibraltar!

And he thinks he can do all of that in a week!

David Walliams, who swam the English Channel for Sport Relief in 2006, will be joining him for the last leg, and the little Britain star is sure it's going to be tricky.

"It's colder and there's sharks in it and also the sea's a lot rougher, so I think it's going to be a very challenging swim," he said.

What do you think - will Cracknell crack it?

Send him your good luck messages below and don't forget to show your support in a financial sense by going to www2.sportrelief.com/news/ar...

And if his extraordinary exploits have inspired you to rise to the challenge you can sign up for the Sport Relief Mile right now by going to www2.sportrelief.com/get-inv...

Remember you can set your own challenge by deciding if you want to do one, three, or six Miles.

Don't forget to tell us all about your Sport Relief plans.





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comment by __cats (U10798213)

posted Feb 25, 2008

I think if he's practiced his cycling, he may well complete the rowing and cycling legs without too many delays (although it will be tough).

But having exhausted himself to get to the swimming section, someone better be on hand to pull him out of the water when he conks out from exhaustion mid-swim!

I'll be amazed if he can do that final swim unless he has a big rest after the bike ride.

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comment by kwikscull (U6698848)

posted Feb 25, 2008

I've been fortunate enough to train alongside James and he is quite accomplished on the bike for man of his size.

He will comlete this challenge, he is simply to bloody minded not to.

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comment by EatmoToast (U11149855)

posted Feb 27, 2008

Don't reckon he will do it.

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comment by Douggielee (U5048262)

posted Feb 27, 2008

I'm sure he'll give it a good 'Crack'!! laugh

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comment by greatsurfsup (U11153696)

posted Feb 28, 2008

Myself and James paddled across the english channel on surfboards in 2006 and I have no doubts he'll make it. He'll be in the zone from the moment he slips on the lycra!

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comment by zulubleu (U8308986)

posted Feb 28, 2008

I hope he does complete this challenge. I live in France and believe he will be passing by close to where I live[near Cognac]. I am unable to locate the exact route.I would like to shout encouragement and, of course, make a contribution. Does anyone have more precise details than his web site?

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comment by Elysium (U865199)

posted Mar 5, 2008

Great effort from Cracknell, but remember people he is an Olympic champion and has rowed across the Atlantic. Wild horses and all the bulls in Pamplona wouldn't stop James from competing this challenge, and all for a great cause as well.

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comment by __cats (U10798213)

posted Mar 5, 2008

Well, it looks like James is going to have a rest day before the swim. Good call, since (as in my previous post), I would have been worried for his safety otherwise.

Its still going to be a massive achievement, but at least he has a chance now.

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comment by zulubleu (U8308986)

posted Mar 5, 2008

Truly a man amongst men. Well done young fella. Just relax with the swim and trust your power.

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comment by oldexpat (U9248827)

posted Mar 11, 2008

As an ex-racer and life long cyclist I'm amazed at what JC has accomplished on the bike and even more so to complete the challenge at this time of year. Although 'he's almost the complete athlete', mentally this is extraordinary. (I'm not forgetting the swim either!). I don't think non-cyclists realise how tough this distance is physically and mentally. I would ask him to seriously consider entering the RAAM (Race Across America) 3.500 miles from San Diego to Atlantic city. The record time is 8days 3hrs.
I'm sure he could put in an outstanding performance and especially if backed by a charity. He'll get my vote for Sports Personality of the year! Well done... top bloke!

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