Blind Paralympian completes Channel swim

Melanie Barratt is now the first blind woman to swim across the English Channel

A Paralympic gold medallist has become the first blind woman to swim across the English Channel.

Melanie Barratt completed the 21-mile swim in 12 hours and 20 minutes - quicker than the 14 hours predicted.

She said: "For many years I thought I wouldn’t be able to do this, hopefully this can inspire people to have a go."

Barratt, from Leamington Spa, won two gold medals, two silvers and a bronze for swimming at the Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000 Paralympics, and is thought to be the first blind person to swim across Lake Geneva.

The Channel swim on 28 August has so far raised £17,000 for British Blind Sport.

Barratt said the charity, which helps visually-impaired people access sport across the UK, had helped her get into the Paralympics.

“They made my dreams come true. I thought it was appropriate to fundraise for them and give something back," added the 47-year-old.

'It's been magical'

Barratt signed up to swim the Channel three years ago.

While in training, she had a “whiskey barrel full of cold water in the garden” to help build her tolerance to the temperature when she could not practise in open water.

She said the achievement had not "really sunk in" and returning to real life had been a "huge come-down".

“It’s one of those days in your life which you never forget, it's been magical," she said.

"It gives me a really warm feeling inside, a satisfied feeling. I’m the first blind woman to swim the Channel. I struggle to comprehend [it] sometimes.”

'Incredible determination'

During the swim, Barratt wore bone-conducting headsets to help guide her through wood, seaweed and any jellyfish in the water.

She said there had been an "amazing" team behind her and the reception to her success had been "really lovely".

"I've had strangers come up to me and say well done," she said. "It’s a been really nice.”

She said the experience had also boosted her confidence, adding: “Being visually impaired can be really isolating so hopefully this swim can raise awareness for the charity and inspire people to get involved in sports."

British Blind Sport's chief executive Alaina MacGregor said the charity was grateful for Barratt's support.

She said: "We are so proud of Mel on this amazing achievement. She has shown incredible determination and commitment in preparing for this challenge."