Their names are Théo, Elisa, Paul and Selam and they are already nicknamed the "Croizon babies". On Thursday, these four young swimmers with disabilities, aged 15 to 16, will take turns swimming 30 kilometers in the English Channel with Philippe Croizon. This challenge, which will take place between the Gris-Nez and Blanc-Nez caps in the Pas-de-Calais, will also be a tribute to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Channel crossing by Philippe Croizon, this swimmer with four limbs amputated. .
A sea at 16 ° C
Lost in the middle of a sea at 16 ° C well known for the power of its currents, the athletes will evolve in a difficult environment. But their team is not made up of beginners. These athletes swim every day, with the sights set on the 2024 Paralympic Games.
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However, the challenge remains sizeable. "Usually the largest pool I swim in is 50 meters. There, it's La Manche! There is still a big difference! It's super-exciting with the waves and all. wants to prove that it is possible, and if it can motivate other people ... It's a chance that we have, "enthuses Elisa at the microphone of Europe 1. Suffering from arthrogryposis, she swims without the use of the arms, only to the strength of the legs.
"I am very, very proud to do it with them"
Each of them will swim for 30 minutes. Philippe Croizon will also be there. A handover that promises to be very strong for those who are already being overtaken by the new generation. "I'm very, very proud to do it with them. You can't imagine how proud I am. Ten years later, being there with these young people who are going to take over ... Even there, talking about it, j 'I'm emotional. They call me a little grandpa, because I trained the other day with them and they put me in jail. So afterwards they make fun of me a bit ", smiles Philippe Croizon.
The journey through the waves, the current and the cold should last between eight and ten hours.