Retired Marine Accomplishes Goal of Swimming
From Alcatraz with His
Hands and Feet Tied
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
– November 7, 2005
Jay Platt, "Mr. Unstoppable" a retired U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant,
from Jacksonville, NC, completed what many have said is an
impossible feat today. He swam the 1 ½
mile
distance from Alcatraz Island to San Francisco with his hands and
feet tied, becoming one of only three people in history to have
completed such a crossing.
(See video and pictures at
the bottom of this page)
Platt was
inspired to undertake the demanding physical and mental challenge
after reading an article about Italian swimmer, Alberto Christini
and fitness guru Jack Lalanne, who were the only two individuals to
have done such a swim.
"I was looking
for something challenging to do as a way of raising awareness to
help the Marines who are coming back wounded from the fighting in
Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Platt, who was medically retired from
the Marines due to complications from cancer. “Having lost an eye
myself, I somewhat know how they feel, and I wanted to do something
to help. That is when I found out about the Injured Marine Semper Fi
Fund (www.semperfifund.org),
an organization that helps Marines and Sailors injured in the war
against terrorism."
“I was so
motivated by what Lalanne and Christini had accomplished that I
decided this was the challenge I was looking for,” said Platt. “This
seemed like the perfect way to support the Semper Fi Fund, and also
to show others that they too can overcome great challenges in their
lives, even though the obstacles they face may seem overwhelming.”
