Newman Swimmer Completes Relay of the “Mexican English Channel”
While many enjoyed a cozy, low-key holiday over Winter Break, Newman junior Carolina Prieto was able to join her parents in an 18-mile relay across the sound separating Cozumel, Mexico from the mainland of the Yucatan Peninsula. As a member of the Newman Swim team, Carolina has some experience in distance swimming, but her 6-mile leg in the relay was no dip in the pool. Braving open water and the Gulf Stream currents, the 16-year old’s biggest concern was jellyfish stings. While the family predicted the swim might take up to 16 hours, the group completed the relay is just 6 hours and 52 minutes. The feat was part of a fundraising effort to support the New Orleans Hispanic Heritage Foundation. You can read more about this maritime adventure in this story on NOLA.com.