News

An American record holding Channel swimmer has found our recent cold weather, snow and the people in Folkestone 'fantastic' on his first winter holiday in the town.

Peter Jurzynski says the town's 'sidewalks' made him think he was back in Boston.

"Walking to the Folkestone Sports Centre early Monday morning, I was surprised and pleased to see Folkestone, particularly the hills, covered with snow."

Peter who normally spends most of the summer months in the town, preparing to swim the Channel continued: "The winter here is different from the long days of summer yet it has suited me just fine.

"I was able to take early morning swimming sessions of between 2 and 4 miles at the Sports centre."

Peter reminisced with the manager at the centre about her parents, Ray and Audrey Scott who lived on Alkham Valley Road, Hawkinge two decades ago.

"They were mine and every channel swimmer's introduction to Channel swimming and Hawkinge," he recalled.

"These few winter weeks in Folkestone have helped me get healthier, and with all my swimming at the Sports Centre I am looking forward to another channel swim after July 13, provided my extensive channel medical examination is successful."

Peter concluded: "Folkestone is truly a town for all seasons."