Mike Thorpe swims six miles in Serpentine
A 57-year-old man with a frozen shoulder completed a six-mile open-water swim in London's Serpentine after his wife accidentally booked the wrong distance.
Mike Thorpe swam six miles in London's Serpentine after a booking error by his wife turned a one-mile plan into a far greater test. The 57-year-old completed the 9.6km distance in about 16.9C water, raising £4,500 for the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust (WBVT).
His wife, Susanna Thorpe, meant to click the one-mile option for six people but instead booked the six-mile option for one person. With only one mile to go, Mike decided to carry on. About 6,000 people took part in this year's Swim Serpentine at Hyde Park, with only 50 tackling the six-mile option.
Overcoming physical limits
Mike Thorpe completed the gruelling distance despite suffering from frozen shoulder, a condition that causes pain and severe stiffness in the shoulder joint. This forced him to swim breast stroke rather than front crawl for the entire distance. He also chose not to wear a wetsuit.
The cold took its toll. Mike Thorpe was shaking so much after the swim that officials checked on him. He described the experience as 'scary' and said he underestimated the water temperature. "I could hardly walk," Mike Thorpe said, adding that he was 'staggering all over the place' at the end.
Training and preparation
Mike prepared intensively for five days a week over four months. His training regimen took place at the Marlborough Leisure Centre and the Cotswold Water Park. He said half of the challenge was fitness and half was grit, crediting both for his success.
Support and reaction
His achievement drew strong praise. Susanna Thorpe described her husband's achievement as 'amazing' and quoted him saying, "Don't worry, I've got this, I'll do it." She added that she would not be forgiven 'for a very long time' for the booking mistake.
Jennie Shaw of the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust said the charity has been amazed by Mike's determination, commitment and courage. She called his achievement 'absolutely incredible', noting that taking on six miles of open-water swimming is no small feat. Shaw said WBVT, which supports older and vulnerable people, is hugely grateful to Mike for raising vital funds.
Mike Thorpe raised £4,500 for the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust.
