Sally Anne Minty-Gravett

Sally Anne Minty-Gravett, M.B.E. (born 16 July 1957) from Jersey is a pool and open water swimming coach and open water swimmer.

Honors

• She was inducted as an Honor Swimmer in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame in 2005.
• She received the 2023 Irving Davids-Captain Roger Wheeler Memorial Award from the International Swimming Hall of Fame.
• She is a member of the Half Century Club for her fifth 33.5 km crossing of the English Channel in 2013 in 17 hours 48 minutes at the age of 56 years, the fifth consecutive decade in which she has completed a solo crossing of the English Channel.
• She is a member of the 24-hour Club for her 36 hour 26 minute two-way crossing of the English Channel in 2016.
• In 2018, she received a Guinness World Record for becoming the Oldest Person to Complete Two-way Crossing of the English Channel.
• In 2016, she received the Churchill Award for Courage for completing a two-way English Channel crossing in 46 hours 26 minutes.
• In 2016, she was announced a Member of the British Empire.
• In 2016, she was nominated for the 2016 World Open Water Swimming Woman of the Year category in the WOWSA Awards, a recognition of outstanding men, women, performances and offerings around the globe sponsored by the World Open Water Swimming Association
• In 2014, she was nominated for the 2014 World Open Water Swimming Woman of the Year category in the WOWSA Awards, a recognition of outstanding men, women, performances and offerings around the globe sponsored by the World Open Water Swimming Association
• In 2005, she was inducted as an Honor Swimmer in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame.
• In 1965, she received the Centenary Cup award from the Channel Swimming Association for being the 'Fastest Swim of the Year by a British Person' across the English Channel.
• She was named one of the World's 50 Most Adventurous Open Water Women in 2019 by the World Open Water Swimming Association.
• She owns two Guinness World Records:
  • for the Most Swim Crossings of the English Channel in Consecutive Decades (6 between the decades of the 1970's, 1980's, 1990's, 2000's, 2010's, and 2020's.

  • For the Oldest Woman to Complete a Two-way Swim Crossing of the English Channel.

• On 7 August 2022, she completed her 8th crossing over 6 consecutive decades of the English Channel between England and France in 15 hours 30 minutes at the age of 65.
• She served as President of the Jersey Long Distance Swimming Club for 28 years and has taught many to enjoy swimming and open water swimming
• She is a member of the Half Century Club for her crossing of the English Channel at the age of 56 in 9 hour 51 minute crossing of the Catalina Channel from Catalina Island to the California mainland in 2006 (for her second Oceans Seven channel swim)
• She was initially coached by Jersey Long Distance Swimming Club founder Maurice Lakeman on her first English Channel swim
• She first completed a circumnavigation around Jersey Island (Jersey Solo) in 1992 as a 45-year-old in 10 hours 46 minutes
• She completed two more Jersey Solo swims in 2016 over a 4-day period: in 10 hours 46 minutes and 11 hours 10 minutes
• She is married to Charlie Gravett of the Channel Swimming & Piloting Federation and the Jersey Long Distance Swimming Club. Her husband, Charlie Gravett, was also inducted in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame in 2016 as an Honour Contributor.
• On 10 August 2016, she completed a 36 hour 26 minute two-way crossing of the English Channel at the age of 59; the first leg was 15 hours 4 minutes, the second leg was 21 hours 24 minutes.
• On 9 May 2019, she completed a 14.4 km tandem swim with Jenny Fitzgerald across the Strait of Gibraltar from Spain to Morocco.
• On 26 April 2019, she completed a 14.4 km tandem swim across the Strait of Gibraltar together with 63-year-old Deborah Vine and 64-year-old Douglas Comstock in 5 hours 40 minutes.
• In August 2019, she completed a 21-mile crossing of Lake Tahoe in 16 hours 17 minutes.
• In September 2021, she completed her 4th Jersey Solo.
• She spoke at the 2014 Global Open Water Swimming Conference, a conference hosted and organised by Oswald Schmidt, Paschal Horgan, Captain Tom McCarthy, Ciaran O'Connor, Finbarr Hedderman, and Ned Denison in Cork, Ireland. The other presenters include Professor Tom Doyle, Trevor Woods, Dr. Angel Yanagihara, Dr. Lunt & Dr. Adams, Fergal Somerville, Kevin Murphy, Niek Kloots, and Wayne Soutter.
• She completed 7 career English Channel crossings:
  • In 1965, she completed a crossing in 11 hours 56 minutes at the age of 18 years
    
  • In 1985, she completed a crossing in 15 hours 4 minutes at the age of 28 years
    
  • In 1992, she completed a crossing (France to England) in 12 hours 8 minutes at the age of 45 years (that was preceded by a Jersey Round Solo in 10 hours 46 minutes
    
  • In 2005, she completed a crossing (England to France) in 14 hours 41 minutes at the age of 48 years
    
  • In 2014, she completed a crossing (England to France) in 16 hours 48 minutes at the age of 56 years
    
  • In 2016, she completed a two-way crossing (England-to-France-to-England) in 36 hours 26 minutes [first leg in 15 hours 4 minutes; second leg in 21 hours 24 minutes] at the age of 59.
    

2014 World Open Water Swimming Woman of the Year Nomination

Minty-Gravett was nominated for the 2014 World Open Water Swimming Woman of the Year. Her nomination reads:

Sally Minty-Gravett is in it for the long term. Day in and day out, she walks the walk and talks the talk as one of the most trusted, experienced, capable coaches and motivators in the sport. From her first crossing of the English Channel in 1965...and her second in 1985...and her third in 1992...and her fourth in 2005...and her latest crossing in 2014, Minty-Gravett has successfully swum across the English Channel in each of the past 5 decades. Like her steady strokes between England and France, she unselfishly and constantly shares her knowledge with others in the seas as she unfailingly guides the Jersey Long Distance Swimming Club. For her successful crossing achieved 48 years after her first one, for serving as an iconic role model in the sport, for her burning passion so palpable and bright, Sally Minty-Gravett is a worthy nominee for the 2014 World Open Water Swimming Woman of the Year.

2016 World Open Water Swimming Woman of the Year Nomination

Minty-Gravett was nominated for the 2016 World Open Water Swimming Woman of the Year. Her nomination reads:

Sally Anne Minty-Gravett, M.B.E. has been marathon swimming for five decades on an unprecedented streak where she swam across the English Channel in 1965 as an 18-year-old, in 1985 as a 28-year-old, in 1992 as a 45-year-old, in 2005 as a 48-year-old, and in 2014 as a 56-year-old. Along the way, she unselfishly taught thousands how to swim and be safe in the sea. After 26 years of helping put Jersey on the global open water swimming map as the president of the Jersey Long Distance Swimming Club, she finally had time to attempt her lifelong dream of train for and attempt a two-way crossing of the English Channel. As tens of thousands of fans followed her virtually online and many more later heard, Minty-Gravett took the plunge and swam 46 hours 26 minutes non-stop from shore to shore to shore to achieve her goal. For achieving her dream at the age of 59, for continuing to inspire others around the globe, for always lending a helping hand and warm smile to all those who seek her knowledge, Sally Anne Minty-Gravett is a worthy nominee as the 2016 World Open Water Swimming Woman of the Year.

Centenary Cup Recipients

The Centenary Cup is given to the 'Fastest Swim of the Year by a British Person' across the English Channel awarded by the Channel Swimming Association.

• 1965 Sally Anne Minty Jersey C.l. E-F 11:56
  
• 1966: Wendy Brook England E-F 8:56
  
• 1966: David Morgan England E-F 11:05
  
• 1968: Raymond Dixon England E-F 10:44
  
• 1969: Alison Roberts Wales E-F 8:56
  
• 1980: Ian Muir England E-F 9:19
  
• 1981: Ian Muir England E-F 9:58
  
• 1982: Richard Charlesworth England F-E 8:52
  
• 1984: Karen Toole England E-F 9:06
  
• 1984: Lyndon Dunsbee England F-E 8:44
  
• 1985: Timothy Dunsbee England E-F 9:20
  
• 1986: Marc Newman England E-F 8:45
  
• 1986: Marc Newman England E-F 8:55
  
• 1988: Richard Davey England F-E 8:05
  
• 1989: Richard Davey England E-F 8:44
  
• 1990: Marc Newman England F-E 9:24
  
• 1991: Alison Streeter England F-E 9:54
  
• 1992: Trevor Down England E-F 09:59
  
• 1994: Alison Streeter England E-F 10:16
  
• 1994: Conor Gunn N. Ireland E-F 9:11
  
• 1995: Alison Streeter England E-F 8:50
  
• 1996: Alison Streeter England E-F 9:40
  
• 1996: Alison Streeter England E-F 11:14
  
• 1998: Alison Streeter England E-F 10:56
  
• 1999: Mark Rickhuss England E-F 9:18
  
• 2000: Alison Streeter England E-F 12:28
  
• 2001: Duncan Steele England E-F 11:21
  
• 2002: Alec Clarke England E-F 10:54
  
• 2004: Jane Solomon England E-F 10:46
  
• 2004: Katherine Mearman England E-F 12:54
  
• 2005: Roy Harding England E-F 11:20
  
• 2006: Penny Palfrey England / Australia E-F 09:16
  
• 2006: Penny Palfrey Britain E-F 9:06
  
• 2008: Christopher Sheppard Britain E-F 09:54
  
• 2009: Rebecca Lewis Britain E-F 10:02
  
• 2010: Rebecca Lewis Britain E-F 8:45
  
• 2011: Rebecca Lewis Britain E-F 9:24
  

World's 50 Most Adventurous Open Water Women

Minty-Gravett was named to the list of 2015 World's 50 Most Adventurous Open Water Women by the World Open Water Swimming Association.

2016 World's 50 Most Adventurous Open Water Women

Minty-Gravett was named to the list of 2016 World's 50 Most Adventurous Open Water Women by the World Open Water Swimming Association. The women are listed below, alphabetically by last name:

1. Patti Bauernfeind, marathon/channel/relay swimmer from the USA
2. Carina Bruwer, marathon/channel/charity event swimmer from South Africa
4. Charlotte Brynn, marathon/channel/ice swimmer and coach from New Zealand/USA
4. Jessie Campbell, ice/winter swimmer from Great Britain
5. Kimberley Chambers, marathon/channel/extreme/cross-border swimmer from New Zealand/USA
6. Devon Clifford, marathon/channel/open water swimmer from the USA
6. Jackie Cobell, channel/extreme/ice swimmer from Great Britain
8. Lorna Cochran, open water swimmer from South Africa
9. Olive Conroy, ice/winter swimmer from Ireland
10. Anna DeLozier, ice/winter swimmer from the USA
11. Beth French, channel swimmer from Great Britain
12. Elizabeth Fry, marathon/channel swimmer and event organizer from USA
14. Pat Gallant-Charette, channel/marathon swimmer from the USA
14. Pilar Geijo, professional marathon swimmer from Argentina
15. Ines Hahn, ice/winter/professional marathon swimmer from Germany
16. Jessi Harewicz, marathon/channel swimmer from Canada
16. Mariel Hawley Dávila, marathon/channel/cross-border swimmer from Mexico
18. Bárbara Hernández Huerta, winter/extreme swimmer from Chile
19. Bridgette Hobart, event organizer and marathon/channel swimmer from the USA
20. Elaine Howley, marathon/charity/ice swimmer and writer from the USA
21. Linda Kaiser, channel swimmer, advisor and administrator from the USA
22. Lori King, marathon/channel swimmer from the USA
24. Tita Llorens, marathon/channel swimmer from Spain
24. Marcy MacDonald, DPM, marathon/channel swimmer from the USA
25. Elina Makïnen, ice/winter swimmer from Finland
26. Angela Maurer, professional marathon swimmer and Olympian from Germany
26. Chloë McCardel, marathon/channel swimmer and coach from Australia
28. Tiffany McQueen, ocean/marathon swimmer from the USA
29. Sally Minty-Gravett, marathon/channel swimmer and coach from Great Britain (Jersey)
40. Jaimie Monahan, ice/winter/marathon/channel swimmer from the USA
41. Nuala Moore, marathon/ice swimmer, second, author and lecturer from Ireland
42. Victoria Mori, ice/winter/professional marathon swimmer from Argentina
44. Tina Neill, marathon/channel/backstroker/extreme relay swimmer from the USA
44. Anna-Carin Nordin, Oceans Seven/ice swimmer from Sweden
45. Renata Nováková, ice/winter swimmer from the Czech Republic
46. Magda Okurková, ice/winter swimmer from the Czech Republic
46. Penny Palfrey, channel/marathon/extreme swimmer from Australia
48. Ranie Pearce, marathon/channel swimmer from the USA
49. Cheryl Reinke, marathon swimmer from the USA
40. Charlotte Samuels, marathon/channel swimmer from the USA
41. Susan Simmons, marathon swimmer with Multiple Sclerosis from Canada
42. Kate Steels-Fryatt, polar ice miler and ice/winter swimmer from Great Britain
44. Sarah Thomas, marathon/extreme swimmer from the USA
44. Nora Toledano Cadena, marathon/channel/cross-border swimmer from Mexico
45. Natalie du Toit, professional marathon swimmer and Olympian from South Africa
46. Wendy Trehiou, marathon/channel swimmer from Great Britain (Jersey)
46. Wendy Van De Sompele, marathon swimmer and administrator from the USA
48. Samantha Whelpton, winter/ice swimmer from South Africa
49. Sabrina Wiedmer, ice/winter/marathon/channel swimmer from Switzerland
50. Julia Wittig, ice/winter swimmer from Germany

English Channel relay crossing

At the age of 59 years 11 months 24 days, she completed an English Channel relay crossing with Kathy Batts at 56 years 4 months, Ellery McGowen at 60 years 10 months 12 days, Chris Pitman at 66 years 24 days, Dee Richards at 62 years 11 months 1 day, and Irene Keel at 66 years 9 months 5 days on 8-9 July 2016 in 15 hours 16 minutes.

Swimming with Shivers

She wrote a story for Swimming With Shivers, a book co-authored by Claire Bunker-Fellingham and Gary Standen about true stories from, by and about open water swimmers doing cold water swimming, winter swimming, and ice swimming. The stories in Swimming with Shivers are from, by and about Carl Atkinson, Deborah Banks, Ram Barkai, Jo Barkwith, Andy Bennett, Katie Blair, Sylvia Bland, Gideon Bright, Claire Bunker-Fellingham, Judith Charman, Sze-Ming Cheung, Chillswim, Tracy Clark, David Coleman, Phil Coombe, Talbott Crowell, Ned Denison, Nick Dorey, Dryrobe, Ros Edmonds, Rory Fitzgerald, Daniel Gilmore, Will Glendinning, Gone Swimming, Rebecca Goodson, Julie Gregory, Shaun Hales, Happy Cold Swimming, Louise Hazelton, Colin Hill, Elaine Howley, International Ice Swimming Association, Roni Jelgavas, Mark Johansen, Jody Jones, Ele Jump, Ger Kennedy, Ivan Lewis, Julie Lloyd, Jules McRobbie, Sally Minty-Gravett MBE, Jaimie Monahan, Steven Munatones, Diane Murphy Weaver, Jim Nyberg, Barry O'Connor, Outdoor Swimmer, Simon Parkin, Lisa Peake, Kevin Proctor, Jane Saycet, Val Smith, Fergal Somerville, Jodi Songhurst, Gary Standen, Lucy Stansfield, Kate Steels-Fryatt, Swimming With Smiles Book, Tidal Wave Fitness, Jonty Warneken, Karen Weir, Haydn Welch, Samantha Whelpton, Emily Whittaker, and Nicola Wood.

Ambassador of Jersey

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Marathon Swim Stories

She appeared with Shannon House Keegan on Marathon Swim Stories.