Nathalie Pohl, a standout athlete and two-time world record holder, has achieved a monumental feat in the North Channel. After more than ten years of hard work and dedication, Pohl has become the first German woman to complete the Ocean’s Seven challenge, crossing the world’s seven most dangerous straits. This incredible accomplishment took place on September 15th, with Pohl swimming the approximately 41-kilometre stretch from Gobbins in Northern Ireland to Portpatrick in Scotland in an impressive time of 11:05:24 hours.
Pohl has been recognized as one of the best female open water swimmers in the world for some time, but this historic achievement solidifies her as a true trailblazer. She is not only the first German woman to complete the Ocean’s Seven, but also the 33rd person in the world to do so.
The North Channel swim, which is considered the toughest of the seven ocean swims, presented numerous challenges for Pohl. With a water temperature of just 14 degrees and unpredictable sea conditions, this route is known for its difficulty. Additionally, the presence of lion’s mane jellyfish, known for their painful stings, makes the North Channel one of the most treacherous swims. Pohl’s success in this swim is a testament to her unwavering determination and perseverance.
Pohl’s journey to this extraordinary accomplishment was not without setbacks. In her first attempt at the Ocean’s Seven in 2015, she was taken to the hospital with a pulmonary embolism. However, she did not let this stop her and she came back stronger in 2016, setting a German record for the English Channel swim. Throughout her career, she has also set two world records and published a book, “Im Meer bin ich zu Hause” (In the Sea I am at Home), which quickly became a best-seller in Germany.
Pohl’s dedication and commitment to her training have played a significant role in her success. Her coach, Joshua Neuloh, explains that her training for the North Channel involved winter training in Portugal and Majorca, followed by training in the rough seas of Ireland and Scotland during the summer. Pohl’s iron will and discipline have been instrumental in each of her achievements and she hopes to inspire others to never give up on their dreams, no matter how difficult they may seem.
For more information on Nathalie Pohl and her incredible accomplishment, visit her website at https://nathaliepohl.de/.
