Sport

Newry boy becomes youngest solo swimmer to conquer the North Channel

Abbey schoolboy adds to his accomplishment of participating in the youngest relay team to swim the channel last year

Youngest Swimmer North Channel
17-year-old Daniel Smith becomes the Youngest Solo Swimmer to conquer the North Channel. Credit: Keith Garry
By John McGovern

Daniel Smyth from Newry has set a new record by becoming the youngest swimmer ever to conquer the North Channel in an awe-inspiring time of 12 hours, 26 minutes, and 44 seconds.

The 17-year-old faced the gruelling task of swimming the North Channel, which stretches around 34 km in a straight line.

Smith, a member of the Newry Swimming & Waterpolo Club began his journey shortly before 5am on Saturday morning.

Before diving into the cold waters Daniel had the words Mum (Elena), Dad (David), Cohen (brother) and Keith (coach) written on one arm with permanent marker, the other arm ‘Indomitable’, a reminder of his motivation for the day.

Youngest Swimmer North Channel
Daniel wrote the names of his family and coach on his left arm, and 'indomitable' on his right arm to motivate him. (Keith Garry)

The Abbey CBS pupil set off from Robbie’s Point, Donaghadee battling cold waters, fresh northwest breeze, and the notorious Lion’s Mane jellyfish.

Smith withstood harsh conditions, with temperatures dropping to a chilling 11 degrees in the Beaufort’s Dyke, the deepest part of the channel.

The Newry swimmer maintained an impressive pace of approximately 4 km per hour for the majority of the swim, with the last 5km stretch proving the most difficult, taking almost three hours alone to surmount.

Youngest Swimmer North Channel
Daniel conquered the North Channel in an awe-inspiring time of 12 hours, 26 minutes, and 44 seconds. (Keith Garry)

He would complete his dramatic achievement after arriving at Dunskey Castle, south of Portpatrick at around 5pm, greeted by his crew and coach Keith Garry.

Guided by the skilful pilot Jacqueline McClelland from Infinity Channel Swimming, Daniel’s crew included his father David, water polo teammates Finn Garry and Oran McKeever, and coach Keith Garry.

This historic swim adds to his already impressive achievements; in 2023, Daniel was part of the Chilli Dippers North Channel relay team, which set a record as the youngest relay team to swim the channel.

“This achievement is a testament to Daniel’s incredible dedication and perseverance,” said Keith Garry, Daniel’s coach.

“He has shown remarkable mental and physical strength, qualities that are rare to find in someone so young.”

Youngest Swimmer North Channel
Daniel received constant support and guidance from his crew during the swim. (Keith Garry)

Daniel arrived back to Bangor harbour with rapturous applause to family, friends and members of the Pulmonary Fibrosis team.

One of the inspirations for Daniel’s swim was to raise money for Pulmonary Fibrosis NI, as his grandmother is unfortunately suffering from this condition.

If you wish to donate, you can do so on his just giving page at:

https://www.justgiving.com/page/daniel-smyth-swimming-pulmonaryfibrosisni?utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=page%2Fdaniel-smyth-swimming-pulmonaryfibrosisni&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=pfp-share