Saint Barthélemy – Swimming to Saint Martin: Lukas Outil’s challenge
On 16 August, the young athlete will swim the approximately 25 km open-water distance between the two sister islands. This is a major challenge for this young athlete, who is no stranger to such feats. To get a better idea of who he is, it’s worth taking a quick look back at his latest achievements.
He had already made a name for himself last February, when he set off from Shell Beach to run the length of the island where he has lived since he was a small child. It was a successful challenge: he covered the 21 km in under 7 hours, with a finish that was “filled with emotion, gratitude and pride”, in Lukas’s own words, as he paid tribute to Saint-Barth whilst pushing beyond his personal limits.
Just as at home in the water as he is on dry land, Lukas made a name for himself at the Open Water Kings Cup held in Guadeloupe in January, which he won hands down (or rather, with flying colours). We could also mention the titles he has won this season, such as: the gold medal in the 100m butterfly, 400m and 50m freestyle, as well as the silver medal in the 100m freestyle and 50m butterfly – no small feat.
Like a fish in water
Having always been part of a sporting environment, this accomplished swimmer has the backing of an entire team who support him in his projects and during his aquatic adventures, not only to provide moral support but also for safety reasons. Weather permitting, he will set off from Colombier beach and swim to the Philipsburg boardwalk.
Beyond the personal challenge, he is taking this opportunity to raise the profile of the Saint Barthélemy Nature Reserve, as the protection of the marine environment is particularly close to his heart. In doing so, he hopes to help raise public awareness of the need to preserve this exceptional marine heritage, which he has always loved and admired. Let’s wish him good luck and offer him some well-deserved, early applause.
