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Caitlin was supported and encouraged by marathon swimmer Philip Rush, and her family, on her epic swim across Lake Taupo.
Fourteen-year-old Caitlin O’Reilly has ticked off the second of three epic swims on her way to the NZ Triple Crown.
In 2017, at the age of 12, Caitlin became the youngest female, and youngest New Zealander, to swim across Cook Strait (HM March 15, 2017) – a distance of 26km, which took her 7hrs:19mins.
And, on February 14, the Waitoki teenager completed a 40.2km marathon swim across the widest part of Lake Taupo, which took her 13hrs:26mins.
This makes her the youngest female to achieve the lake crossing – Kaine Thompson holds the record for youngest person, as he swam across one month after turning 14.
Less than 50 people have swum the lake within the International Marathon Swimming rules of no wetsuit and no contact with boat or supporters enroute.
A support boat was alongside Caitlin all the way and provided regular food. Her support crew included Philip Rush, a marathon swimmer who facilitates the crossing.
Although determined to achieve her goal, and confident of her ability, Caitlin had a somewhat nervous start, until she got into her stride. Conditions on the lake were calm and the water was a balmy 21 degrees.
Caitlin trains at Coast Swim Club at Northern Arena in Silverdale. She is a member of Red Beach Surf Club and goes to Carmel College.
The Cook Strait, Lake Taupo and Foveaux Strait crossings together make up the NZ Triple Crown and Caitlin would like to be the youngest to accomplish all three. She is also keen on swimming the English Channel next year.
