The 103-mile journey to cross the Straits of Florida features swift currents, sharks, and . But 29-year-old Australian swimmer Chloe McCardel will battle it out this week, attempting to be the .
Though Australian Susie Maroney completed the swim with a shark cage in 1997, no one has yet made it completely exposed. American , and Australian Penny Palfrey made an attempt, but both had to give up due to injury, jellyfish stings, or strong currents.
McCardel . Her attempt will raise money for cancer research in dedication to her mother, a breast cancer survivor. But McCardel also says, “At the moment it’s the most high-profile marathon long-distance swim, and swimmers really want to come here and be the first. It’s like winning a gold medal.”
She set off yesterday, and you can .