I started swimming before I could walk, or that is what my parents tell me. I grew up swimming in pools and in the Atlantic Ocean every summer on vacation.

I caught the Open Water Swimming bug in 2002 after swimming in the Great Hudson River Swim. After having shoulder surgery in 2005, I wasn't able to swim again until 2008.

In 2008, I returned with an intensity that made it look like I was attempting to make up for lost time traveling the country and swimming in six events including the Nike Swim Miami 5K, Big Shoulders 5K, US Masters 5K, the Little Red Lighthouse Swim and swimming the cross-country Alcatraz Sharkfest Swim and Governors Island Swim in the same weekend.

In 2009, I swam my first 10K at the Nike Swim Miami 10K, swam in the first annual Swimmin' In Moonshine 2 mile and returned to NYC to swim around Governors Island.

In 2010, I swam in the 2 mile SLAM Open Water Swim and the 1.5 mile MOVY July 4th Open Water Swim. I trained by swimming two 5K swims each week in the local Shawnee Mission Park Lake and returned for my annual favorite, the 2 mile Governors Island Swim. I took 3rd place in my age group and brought back my first NYC Swim trophy. I swam through Hurricane Hermine during the Big Shoulders 5K in Chicago where all I could think about was getting out and getting something to eat. I wrapped up my season with the Little Red Lighthouse Swim. The course was changed a couple days before the event making it a 10K course. The event set the world record for the largest number of 10K swimmers in a single event. The change in course also allowed us to swim past the Little Red Lighthouse and under the George Washington Bridge, which made it an awesome event!

In 2011, I was the first swimmer to register for my favorite 2 mile Governors Island Swim. It was canceled due to weather, but every open water swimmer should swim this event!

For 2012, I plan to return to San Francisco to escape from Alcatraz and swim back to San Francisco Aquatic Park for the 20th Annual Alcatraz Sharkfest Swim. I am also registered for the Ederle Swim two-person relay team with Arlene Chung.

My future goals include eventually swimming around Manhattan and taking my shot at the English Channel.

Until then, I maintain my training so I can make some serious waves from the Midwest when I visit for the NYC events! Feel free to contact me through my web site OpenWaterSwim.com.

See you in the water!