of the cancer and began eight weeks of daily radiation treatments. With the support of his care team—and his own resolve—he continued training, adapting to dietary restrictions and fatigue while keeping his eyes set on his goal. On May 20, 2025, he successfully swam the 10-mile Strait of Gibraltar in 4 hours and 1 minute, accompanied by fellow swimmers Marcia Cleveland, Emily Frank, and Julia Green. Balancing a demanding professional life with such rigorous preparation has required extraordinary commitment. Over almost 38 years, Rutford has logged an astonishing 29,000 miles in pools and open water, an unimaginable distance that underscores his deep dedication to the sport. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27 Kris Rutford with his swim team in May 2025 after a 10-mile swim in the Strait of Gibraltar between Spain and Morocco. Pictured left to right are Rutford, Marcia Cleveland, Emily Frank, and Julia Green. Known as the King of Manhattan Island, Kris Rutford (pictured in 2004) has completed more successful circumnavigation swims around Manhattan Island in New York City than any other man. SWIM STATS: THE ATHLETIC FEATS OF KRIS RUTFORD Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming English Channel – Completed in 1988 in 10:44 Manhattan Island Marathon Swim – Completed 27 times beginning in 1988 Catalina Channel – Completed in 2016 in 11:41 Lake McConaughy Record Fastest known swim across Lake McConaughy (22 miles) in 9:09 Completed in 1989 Manhattan Island Marathon Swim Known as the King of Manhattan Island, Rutford has completed more successful circumnavigation swims around Manhattan Island in New York City than any other man 1993 Champion In 1992, set the world record at 5:53.57 In 1995, completed the first reverse (clockwise) circumnavigation around Manhattan Island in 17:48, fighting tides and currents during the 28.5‑mile journey Total Distance More than 29,000 miles logged across pools and open water since 1987 Other Notable Swims In 1993, placed 9th in the USA Swimming national 25 km championships at Lake Lanier in Georgia In 1993, participated in the 30 km FINA World Cup in Sylvan Lake in Canada In 2022, swam the 21-mile length of Lake Tahoe in 12:33 In 2025, swam the Strait of Gibraltar in 4:01 Challenges Conquered Frigid temperatures Jellyfish stings Currents and tides Night swims Cancer 28 Nebraska CPA
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