Meet West hosts Oceans’ Seven swimmer

Cork-based Stephen Redmond, the first person in the world to complete all seven open-water swims that make up the Oceans’ Seven Challenge, is the guest speaker for Meet West networking dinner on November 20.

Having already swum the Irish Channel, The English Channel, The Strait of Gibraltar, The Cook Strait, The Molokai Channel and The Catalina Channel, the former rugby player swam the 12.5 mile Tsugaru Strait in Japan in July 2012 to complete a goal he set himself in 2009.

During this time Steve had to contend with plummeting water temperatures, strong currents, bad weather, bad sunburn, injury, the constant danger of shark attacks and the indescribable pain from jellyfish stings.

A former London Irish prop, Steve’s swimming career was rekindled when he helped form West Cork Triathlon Club with Dr. Pat Bailey and John Kearney. Steve soon discovered that his legs were no longer able to propel him the way they were once able to, and his love of swimming was born.

The 47-year-old, who was raised in London, moved to Castledermot, Co Kildare, and now lives in Cork  combines high performance with mental toughness, belief and a never give up attitude.

Meet West 2014 takes place in the Galway Bay Hotel, Salthill on Thursday and Friday, November 20 and 21. Registration for Meet West 2014 is now open on www.meetwest.ie