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Like most 12-year-olds, Rachel Knowles enjoys chillin’
with friends, playing with her dogs or being plugged into the
latest music. As a year-round swimmer, a large part of
her day is spent practicing with the Pleasanton Seahawks at the
Aquatic Center. So what else does a busy young lady do
in her free time? Try swimming a nautical mile in the 10th
Annual Tiburon Mile in the San Francisco Bay.
On September 13, Rachel competed with 400 polar bear types (8 to
75 years old), finishing first in the open water swim in the 13
& under category. Decked out in a thin swim suit,
goggles and double swim caps anchored with duct tape, Rachel swam
against the chilly 50ish degree current from Angel Island to
Tiburon Harbor. In preparation for the race, Rachel has
competed in multiple open water swims. When asked what was
the most difficult part of the race Rachel answered, “The
start, there were so many swimmers that people were grabbing your
feet, kicking and even swimming over you.” She said
that when they left the bay, they were hosed off and the cold water
felt “like a hot shower.” Rachel said, “The
best part of the experience was finishing and running on the red
carpet at the finish line.” Following this shivering
experience, the athletes celebrated their victory with an awards
ceremony and a great feast. Congratulations to Rachel Knowles
who knows how to go the distance!
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