At 2 a.m. on Sunday, May 25th, Gene Giraudeau and her support team left the idyllic beach of Mae Haad in Koh Phangnan and headed out into the inky blackness of the Gulf of Thailand on a 330-degree bearing to the smaller island of Koh Tao. Her mission: To circumnavigate the 23km around Koh Tao, a challenge that took her 9 hours and 16 minutes, in support of Finathon.
During this time, Gene could not touch or be supported by any boats or persons. She ate and drank in the water. Growing up in Johannesburg, she moved to Tokai in Cape Town and was swimming from the age of 3 years old, entered her first race at just 7 years old, and then went on to compete in South Africa at National Level.
Gene, a PADI Dive Master, worked as an underwater videographer on Koh Tao where she watched the shark numbers dwindle, making her passion and drive for her swim a personal one.
Understandably, upon completion of the 36km swim she was very emotional, “It’s amazing that so many people have given up their time and offered their expertise to make my dream come true. The support and messages that I received on social media both in the run up to and during the swim were overwhelming and really helped. I’m happy that I am able to bring awareness to the plight that sharks are facing and have helped by raising money to aid their cause too.”
Gene and the rest of the team raised nearly $5,000 USD.
“We couldn’t thank them enough for supporting sharks,” said Joanna McNamara Project AWARE Development and Communications Specialist. “But a Finathon doesn’t have to be a big challenge. Whether it’s a 1km pool event, an island relay or a pool party, the Finathon is fun for all and a great way to raise much-needed funds.”
Want to join in on the action? Project AWARE is looking for 100 Finathon Champions so visit www.finathon.org to get started on your own mission.
Want to learn more about Gene and her Master Divers? Visit www.finathon.org/masterdivers.
