SWIMMING: Colman Pool director passes workplace on 13-mile lighthouse-to-lighthouse swim

(Photo by Peter Ray)

Thanks to Jennifer for the info and photos from the latest marathon swim completed by a Northwest Open Water Swimming Association member. Above, swimming past Lincoln Park‘s beach on Saturday afternoon, is Wendy Van De Sompele, who is aquatic director of Colman Pool, and an accomplished distance swimmer at age 57. On Saturday, she swam 13 miles from Point Robinson Lighthouse on Maury Island to Alki Point Lighthouse in West Seattle.

(Photo by Andrew Malinak)

She completed the swim in 10 hours, 21 minutes, Jennifer tells us. She was swimming at a faster pace earlier but then a change in the tide, plus a headwind, slowed her down considerably. Earlier this summer, Van De Sompele swam between three lighthouses in one day – from Gig Harbor to Tacoma to Maury. That swim was chronicled by the Vashon Beachcomber.

9 Replies to "SWIMMING: Colman Pool director passes workplace on 13-mile lighthouse-to-lighthouse swim"

  • Marina August 20, 2023 (6:48 pm)

    Yaaaay Wendy, you’re a rockstar! 

  • barbara s spector August 20, 2023 (7:00 pm)

    Congratulations Wendy!You are part orca.

  • Littlelowe August 20, 2023 (9:01 pm)

    Your are truly amazing! Strong, and brave! Wow! 

  • Craig August 20, 2023 (9:47 pm)

    So inspiring!  Way to make life an adventure.  

  • Sam-c August 20, 2023 (10:14 pm)

    That’s amazing! Way to go!

  • TerriV August 21, 2023 (7:38 am)

    YAY! Go Wendy. You rock girl!!

  • Also John August 21, 2023 (12:54 pm)

    Wendy…  you’re a swimming machine! Congratulations!   13 mile openwater swim in 52 degree water.   That’s amazing.  Very few people can achieve such an endeavor.

  • Batty August 21, 2023 (7:22 pm)

    Holy Cow – I can barely swim a few laps at Colman Pool without stopping… this is so impressive, Way to go! 

  • Pam A August 22, 2023 (2:13 pm)

    Congrats Wendy!!  You are one tough Woman!  So glad you continue to inspire so many of us!!  Wayyyyy to Goooo!  

Sorry, comment time is over.