Jay Platt "Escapes" From Alcatraz

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.

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.”

Jay,

With 340 Alcatraz swims under my Speedo's, I know what they take out of you. I can't imagine even attempting what you were successful in completing. Congratulations! Here is the course you took, plotted by the GPS I had on the Camera Boat. Enjoy, savor, and be proud of what you did. I was proud to be a part of it!

Gary Emich

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© Jay Platt & Associates 2010 (888) 404-6598

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.

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.”