AGUA Masters Swimmer Fleur Sohtz Becomes first nyc-born woman to complete the triple crown of open water swimming
Asphalt Green Unified Aquatics Masters swimmer Fleur Sohtz has just accomplished the greatest feat in open water swimming. Just a week ago, Fleur finished the English Channel Swim, becoming the first NYC born woman to complete the triple crown.
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 decided to dedicate the final stretch to giving back to an aquatics community that has transformed her life.
In total, Fleur’s swim has raised $30,000 in support of Asphalt Green’s scholarships and inclusive swim programs for New York City children. In the process, she’s made New York City headlines for her tremendous accomplishment:
“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 traveled to the U.K. to support Fleur during her swim.
Fleur’s swim journey — from lifeguarding at Jacob Riis Park and swimming at Asphalt Green as a kid, to collegiate, AGUA Masters, and now the triple crown, exemplifies how Asphalt Green transforms lives. We are all so proud!
Giving back: Asphalt Green’s Free Learn to swim programs
Fleur’s English Channel swim will 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 swimming through programs including :
- Athletic Scholarships- That offer talented swimmers with demonstrated financial need the opportunity to pursue their dreams in the water.
- Inclusive Swim Programs – That offer neurodivergent children the opportunity to enjoy 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’s CAUSE
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.
Despite finishing her swim, Fleur is still short of her $50,000 goal. She hopes her swim will similarly inspire others to give back through sport and highlight the strength of the swimming community.
Want to join her cause? Support Fleur using the fundraising link below and help her transform lives through swimming!
