Shelagh Freedman

At age 17, Shelagh Freedman crossed Lake Ontario from Niagara-on-the-lake to Marilyn Bell Park in 26 hours 3 minutes on 12-13 August 1993.

 

Due to an early stomach issue and significant shoulder pain, this was to become a really challenging swim for Shelagh; however, with great determination and the support of a highly-qualified crew she conquered The Lake.

The swim started at 9:13 pm and the conditions throughout were ideal with no wind. The water temperature started at 20-21 degrees C and rose to 22-23 C for the final 12 hours.
*Between 2.5 to 3 hours, Shelagh suffered two bouts of stomach sickness 
*By the 16 hour mark, with 15 km still to go, she experienced significant shoulder pain and her stroke rate dropped to 40 spm.

*At 19 hours, the shoulder pain became almost intolerable. She tried one-arm freestyle for 30 minutes, but then went back to breaststroke.

*She succeeded in swimming freestyle for about an hour, however, from 21-25-hours, Shelagh swam breaststroke.

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Shelagh served on SSO's Board of Directors in 1994, 2002 and 2020; and in 2021 she took on the position of Treasurer. Shelagh also serves as Swim Master for SSO.