Benoit Lecomte has already conquered the Atlantic Ocean, the first person in history to make the crossing without the aid of flotation, back in 1998. Benoit swam 8 hours a day, slept at night, and didn't stop for 73 days.
Benoit's epic open water swim was done when his was 31. Now he's 44 years old.
Benoit will begin his transoceanic swim in Tokyo and end in San Francisco.
Benoit will make the crossing with a shark cage.
You can fan Benoit on Facebook here @ THE LONGEST SWIM.
You can follow his journey from Facebook where he intends to livecast his epic attempt.
VIDEO OF BENOIT'S TRANSATLANTIC FINISH - 1998 - ABC NEWS:
VIDEO TEASER OF "THE LONGEST SWIM":
FOLLOW BENOIT ON HIS WEBSITE AS WELL, THE LONGEST SWIM
FROM BENOIT'S WEBSITE: "Born in France, Ben now is a naturalized US Citizen and calls Texas home. An architect graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington, he's always loved adventure and has continually pushed himself to excel. His latest endeavor - to swim across the Pacific Ocean - is a monumental feat that will test his endurance, both physically and mentally. He is exercised, disciplined and up to the challenge that swimming thousands of grueling miles will require!
Ben is just like a guy next door, is a father of two, but he has an intense drive to reach his captivating dreams, which sets him apart from others.
To that end, Ben's training regimen includes three to five hours, six-days-a-week swimming and cardiovascular cross-training (including bicycling and calisthenics). He will require 8,000 calories a day during his swim. He is utterly dedicated and does not give up without a fight.
With one record breaking event under his belt, the successful swim of the Atlantic Ocean in 1998, the Swim across the Pacific is just another feather in his cap.
Ben will dedicate this swim to his father just as he did the Atlantic swim. His father, after all, taught him how to swim. He died of cancer in 1991 at the age of 49, after an 18 month struggle, a struggle Ben won't ever forget but which provides Ben with inspiration and courage."
Today is Thanksgiving, thank God for the magical life, let me enjoy the happiness and sadness, and thank you for the article, thank you!
Posted by: Nike Air Max | November 28, 2011 at 11:32 PM
No sir, he won't be. He has sonar technology that will keep the sharks at bay for the most part.
If the water gets too infested he would not put himself in harms way and wait it out, also he will have a team watching the waters while he is in the boat to ensure his safety.
What an honor to converse with you, thank you for replying to my post. - Laura
Posted by: Laura Reeves | November 15, 2011 at 11:57 AM
Thx, Laura. Someone sent me an email with the same note... Based on my research, he'll at least be in one as has closes in on San Fran. Is that correct based on what you know???
Posted by: gmm | November 15, 2011 at 09:59 AM
Wow what an awesome post you have here regarding Benoit Lecomte! One little correction though, he will not be in a shark cage...
Posted by: Laura Reeves | November 15, 2011 at 08:39 AM