Missy Franklin will be one of a number of big-name Olympians making appearances at the Swim Across America open water event in Atlanta, GA next week.
Swim Across America puts together and promotes charity open water swimming events to raise money for organizations that fight cancer. The Atlanta swim will support the Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Swim Across America says that Olympians like Franklin are not paid appearance fees in order to send more of the event profits to organizations fighting cancer, with a goal of 75% or more of the gross proceeds going to the selected charity.
The Atlanta event takes place on Saturday, September 17 in Lake Lanier, with registration beginning at 7:15 AM and the races starting at 9:00 AM. The swim has 1-mile and 5-kilometer individual options along with a 2-mile relay that allows up to 4 swimmers to team up to tackle the distance. You can find more information here.
According to Swim Across America, Franklin will be joined by Olympians Heather Petri, Kristy Kowal, Steve Lundquist, Doug Gjertsen, Geoff Gaberino, Joe Hudepohl, Daniel Watters, Peter Wright and Megan Nayer.
With about a week to go, the event has raised just over $318,000 of its $325,000 goal. Registration and donation links are here.
Steve Lundquist is awesome! Interview him swimswam please!