Phillipe Croizon - No arms swimmer
The functions of a human body are complex to understand. So are the learning abilities. It is well known that when a child learns how to swim he does not forget it for the rest of his life. The use of limbs, however, is known to be essential for completing the task.
Phillipe Croizon, 42, will disprove this theory by swimming across the English Channel within the 24 hours. Croizon, who was fixing his tv antenna in 1994, suffered a major accident when the antenna came into contact with the power cable, delivering electricity at such a level that doctors had to amputate his limbs to save his life. Since then Philippe, belonging to Chatellerault, in the Vienne department of central France, has done everything he can to try to lead a normal life.
Phillipe Croizon took his inspiration from documentaries and planned on swimming across the channel, which is 22 miles in length and apparently tough for even people with all limbs intact. 2 years back even swimming both lengths of the swimming pool were difficult for Croizon but over time he practiced to an extent of 30 hours a week for competing against the tides of not only the sea but that of nature. His attempt will be to swim across Folkestone, Kent, to Cap-Gris-Nez, which is near Calais. "This is a dream and I'm determined to fulfil it," are the words Croizon is reported saying by the Daily Mail. His accomplishment of the task can earn him fame in the record books.
Croizon is known to use artificial limbs for swimming. The Frenchman wants to swim across the channel from England to France and has been persistent and in practice to accomplish this dream of his. He usually practices at the bay at La Rochelle, where coastguards follow him. No wonder he is known as the “ironman”; 3 years before this daredevil quadruple amputee parachuted from an airplane as well, making him adventure prone generally in life.
Obvious though it might be, Croizon uses an extra large snorkel as well as modified flippers to aid him in swimming. He will also be accompanied by a team of medical personnel for precautionary safety.
The man admits that at first the idea seemed absurd to his parents when he watched the documentary of crossing the English channel and wanted to do the same. But it was a goal he desperately wants to achieve therefore he has practiced against all odds and plans on completing this feat in September this year.
Phillipe, the father of two children, is always accompanied by his P.E. teacher Valerie Carbonnel, who admits that he was hardly capable of accomplishing minimal swimming distance 2 years back. However, intensive practice and the will to accomplish what swimmers, even with limbs are afraid of doing, would most definitely earn Phillipe a record in books that has never existed or has ever been thought of.
The example of Phillipe should be extended to average people as well. The intensity and aggression of achievement can earn many rewards. If an amputee can work for a record that was seemingly impossible it is hard fact evidence that we as humans can overcome even the impossible with our sheer will and consistency.
It must also be undertaken that physical disabilities should not be overlooked and total negligence to physical activity while blaming the disability will only reduce the chances of ever achieving anything. The historical claim that disabled people are to receive no more than desk jobs and behind the screen employment should be changed and analyzed in light of the inspiring disabled community composed of people like Croizon himself, who don’t let people or simple physics let them back out from their dreams. If accomplished, Croizon would serve as a hero in both record books and the minds of the community, especially people who fear striving due to the disappointment that comes from facing defeat. For success is only a possibility if one participates, else defeat is inevitable in not trying at all.
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