She has a lifelong dream: to swim the English Channel between France and England. After four years of planning, teacher Zuzana Procházková, 26, from Hořovice in the Beroun district, may fulfil it this summer. A member of I. plavecký klub otužilců Praha, how is she preparing for the 34-kilometre crossing?
Zuzana Procházková chose one of swimming’s toughest challenges thanks to her bachelor’s dissertation. “My topic was Czech swimmers crossing the English Channel. At first I dismissed the idea of doing it myself. Then, as I thought about it more and people asked whether I would try, I decided to go for it,” the mathematics and PE teacher told Aha! Zuzana has swum since her first year at school; both parents coach at a swimming club. At secondary school she preferred running, but rediscovered her love of the water at university.
Training every day: Zuzana admits that preparing for such a long cold-water swim is demanding. “During the working week I have to train four mornings and two afternoons. My weekend sessions are longer. I have to do something every day,” she said. Several possible situations worry her. What could threaten the attempt? “You can get too cold, become seasick or vomit in the water. That can exhaust you, forcing you to get out and give up. I am especially afraid of jellyfish; apparently their stings really hurt,” she added. Her parents support her, and both love sport: her mother runs ultramarathons and her father does long-distance cross-country skiing.
Support the swimmer
Zuzana will attempt to fulfil her dream between 3 and 8 August. With the crossing expected to cost around CZK 200,000, she would welcome any financial help. Contributions can be made to her transparent bank account, 2601327497/2010.