09 July 2007

Update: More to come

It's Alice again. Jessica is currently unable to update her blog and I know people will be checking back in soon.

We do have great photos and video, but those will be put up later, so keep checking back! We have other things at hand.

More details will follow of the swim in the next few days. Yes, it is true that we pulled her at 14 hours. She was so close. She got to within a mile and a half of the French shore, and then got pushed out to 3 miles. We haven't debriefed the swim in it's entirety yet, as it was an exhausting ride back to England and later, an exhausting evening for all.

At 11 and a half hours Jessica threw up. She threw up multiple times and we could see that she had not digested any of her feedings. She did those last few hours on empty. She really is incredible.

The boat ride back was rough. She continued to throw up as we tried to get her warm. She was weak, and her breathing was labored. She had a hard night, which I will let Jessica share with you when she is better (but don't worry, she is OK).

Thank you everyone for your good thoughts.

16 comments:

Deezy said...

Jess, You got further/came closer than the vast majority of humans evr dream of! Chin up.

Dee from Australia

Anonymous said...

You're unbelievably amazing, Jessica. Can't wait to celebrate with you when you're back home. xoxo

Sarah said...

Jessica,
You are my hero. I am so inspired/amazed/impressed at everything you have accomplished. I'm so happy to have a friend like you to show me what true strength and dedication is.

Congratulations on your incredible achievement. I can't wait to give you a big hug and buy you a DRINK!

Love,
Sarah

HR said...

Jessica,

You're simply amazing. Your dedication and devotion to your goals is so remarkable. My mom remarked, "I cannot believe that Jessica kept swimming for hours after she threw up." I told her that just exemplifies Jessica's determination. I hope that you're feeling better.

Take care of yourself,
Heather

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry to hear this (random noter who's been following your story recently) but you still did an amazing job - you're so strong and it just sounds like you ran into some bad luck. 14 hours though - you are a wonder.

"Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the grey twilight that knows not victory nor defeat."
- Theodore Roosevelt

christine said...

Jess, Justin and I are so proud of you. You really have been such an inspiration to us all. Your dedication and determination the past year and throughout the 14 hours of swimming is far more than most people can ever hope to aspire to. In my mind you achieved far more than swimming the English Channel. I can't wait to see you when you get home to help you celebrate your amazing feat!
Love,
Christine and Justin

Anonymous said...

"not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle...not to have conquered but to have fought well", you did Jessica, like a true Olympian.
Stephen Wong

Anonymous said...

I am totally gutted for you
you will be back, of that i am sure
Mark

Anonymous said...

I'll never forget the interview I did with Jonathan Maier for the English Channel swimmers story I worked on--he told me that his actual Channel swim was the least affecting part of the whole experience. He said it was the training that changed his life. So by Jonathan's measure you are forever changed and you have enjoyed everything the Channel has to offer. We admire you and cheer your success in getting so far and I for one am envious of your bravery and accomplishment.

Unknown said...

Jessica, you're so money!!! 14 hours? The only thing I can do for 14 hours is sit on my couch and watch TV. You're still my Shero!!. I can't wait to hear the story and share a cocktail with you.

Don

LA McCready said...

Jessica,
I've been following your progress since you sent the email out to AHS staff before school ended. You have much to be proud of and what a wonderful life lesson to share with your students.

LeighAnn

LA McCready said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

Jessica, I am not familiar with the "official rules" of this kind of superhuman achievements but for us and on the basis on any common sense standards you have made it to France! (1.5 miles from the shore is indeed France)

Amazing!!

Ramon & Joelle (from Barcelona)

Colleen Darling said...

I can only echo these countless comments to say how proud we are of you, Jessie. You rock my world, Ms. mermaid goddess!

Anonymous said...

Jessica,

Thank god you are okay!!! Pneumonia?? How scary!!! I hope you are being really well taken care of. Get well soon and congratulations on a heroic swim.

Eileen

karah nazor said...

wow. tough as nails. and inspiring indeed. -Karah