AGUA Masters Swimmer Fleur Sohtz to Swim English Channel In support of Asphalt Green's free learn to swim programs
Asphalt Green Unified Aquatics Masters swimmer Fleur Sohtz is taking on one of open water swimming’s most iconic challenges—the English Channel—this summer, in support of Asphalt Green’s free learn-to-swim programs for New York City children.
After completing two of the three swims in the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming: the Manhattan Island Marathon Swim (20 Bridges) in 2021 and the Catalina Channel swim in 2023, Fleur is dedicating her final stretch and ultimate achievement to giving back to an aquatics community that has transformed her life.
“I feel the team behind me every time I stop to take a stroke. It’s an incredible community within Asphalt Green, and that’s why I was so motivated to give back.”
Fleur’s swim journey began in Brooklyn as a club swimmer who later worked as a lifeguard at Jacob Riis Park in Rockaway Beach, leading her to swim competitively at the University of Massachusetts. After taking time away from the sport, she later rediscovered her love for swimming and open water while living in San Francisco as a member of the South End Rowing Club- swimming daily in the Bay Her experience made her eager to join AGUA Masters when she returned to New York City, and she now trains in Lane 6 with a group of fellow Masters swimmers, many of whom have been together for nearly two decades and completed the swim around Manhattan twice last year as a relay. Five teammates are flying to the U.K. to support Fleur as she takes on this tremendous challenge.
Giving back: Asphalt Green’s Free Learn to swim programs
Fleur’s English Channel swim will raise money to support Asphalt Green’s free learn to swim programs and ensure more New York City children can learn the life-saving skill of swimming and benefit from the same aquatics opportunities that have been so meaningful to her. Today, Asphalt Green expands access to swim instruction through life-changing programs including :
- Wave Makers- A groundbreaking partnership that has brought free swim instruction to thousands of New York City public school students in all five boroughs.
- Waterproofing- Asphalt Green’s original free learn-to-swim program that has taught over 100,000 New Yorkers to swim
- Athletic Scholarships- That offer talented swimmers with demonstrated financial need the opportunity to pursue their dreams in the water.
I’m dedicating this swim to Asphalt Green’s AGUA (Asphalt Green Unified Aquatics) scholarships and inclusive swim programming for neurodivergent kids. 100% of the proceeds will go directly toward supporting these efforts. I am a huge believer in Asphalt Green’s mission and the power of sport to unite communities and develop future leaders, both in and out of the pool. I have been swimming at Asphalt Green since the Olympic pool opened in 1993, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without the incredible coaches, the pool, and the supportive community.”
Support Fleur sohtz’s English Channel Swim
Fleur’s fundraising campaign builds on the recent success of teenage AGUA youth swimmer Ali Wright, who organized and hosted a Swim-A-Thon that raised tens of thousands of dollars for Asphalt Green. Fleur also participated in the event, swimming alongside Ali and her teammates.
Now, she’s aiming to raise an additional $50,000 and hopes her swim will similarly inspire others to give back through sport and highlight the strength of the swimming community.
Before she takes off to complete her swim, Fleur’s goal has already made headlines as she looks to gather support for her fundraising goal, including features in:
Want to join her cause? Support Fleur’s swim using the fundraising link below and help her transform lives through swimming!
