WATCH: “Not bad for an old girl!”

Monday 08 August 2022

Stalwart swimmer Sally Minty Gravett MBE has swum her way into the record books with yet another English Channel crossing.

Sally’s first success was when she was 18 in 1975.

Since then, she had clocked up at least one crossing in every decade of her life: aged 28 in 1985, aged 35 in 1992, aged 45 in 2005, aged 56 in 2013.

She's now in her sixties. No other swimmer in the world has been so consistent over such a long period.

Another busy day with 10 boats out including 5 CSPF:
- Hastings Lifeguards with Sea Satin at 03:44
- Louisa Bell with Optimist at 04:20
- Serpentine Seals with Suva at 04:23
- Zoe Green with High Hopes at 04:26
- Sally Minty-Gravett with Anastasia at 05:13

— CS&PF (@csandpf) August 7, 2022

Tweet: Sally set off just after 05:00.

Sally also holds the record for being the oldest woman to complete a two-way swim - from England to France, then back to England. That was in 2016, at the age of 59 in a time of 36 hours and 26 minutes.

In all, Sally has completed eight solo English Channel crossings.

Sally's most recent crossing was on Sunday.

She left Dover just after five in the morning, and landed in France 15-and-a-half hours later. She stepped ashore on the very beach which, just under 100 years ago, the first women to swim the English Channel had set out from.

Latest update on Sal’s swim from cliff . #channelswimmer #swimforcharlie @Dolfinsal pic.twitter.com/B3WiDWHM6Z

— Big Ricks Swim Team (@RicksSwim) August 7, 2022

It was just after nine French time when Sally waded out of the water to be greeted by a handful of spectators who had been watching her progress whilst enjoying a meal in La Sirene, a beachside restaurant with stunning views out into the Channel. Back on land, she was treated to a well-deserved glass of champagne.

For Sally, it was a relief to finally get the swim done. Due to covid, it had been postponed, and on yet another occasion the swim had to be abandoned before it had even begun because of a week of bad weather in the Channel. Recently, she also sadly lost her husband, Charlie, and decided to dedicate it to his memory.

In doing the swim, Sally's aim was to raise £10,000 for two local charities: the Jersey Lifeboat Association and Dementia Jersey, for which Sally has been a volunteer for more than five years in the 'SplashChat' Initiative allowing people with dementia to meet weekly and take part in a swimming activity, followed by coffee.

Ahead of even setting off from Dover, she had already smashed the target, with more than £21,000 donated.

Pictured: Sally smashed her fundraising goal before even setting off.

Her godson, local restaurateur Marcus Calvani, said he was "beyond proud" of her achievement.

"As she said upon finishing, 'Not bad for an old girl!'

"Sal Minty-Gravett, you are amazing, a long distance swimming superstar and an inspiration to so many people. You've finally done it, the one for Charlie and he's looking down so so so proud."

Others were also full of praise, including St. John Constable Andy Jehan, who said she was "truly amazing".

What an achievement @Dolfinsal has completed her 6th crossing in 6 decades of the English Channel 15.5hrs Truly amazing ???????????????? pic.twitter.com/TNTKFwAEof

— Andy Jehan ???????? (@AndyJehan) August 7, 2022

Assistant Minister with responsibility for Sport, Deputy Lucy Stephenson, also congratulated her on "another incredible achievement in the water."

Sally has said this will be her last Channel swim.

However, those who know her well say it may well be that the lure of the sea is too much for her, and she could be back again.

You can donate HERE.