Swimmer Maura Twomey Crossed Catalina Channel

On August 17, 2026, 70-year-old swimmer Maura Twomey completed the 20-mile channel crossing.

Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Swimming

Expressive sports illustration of a swimmer in rhythmic motion across open water, capturing the endurance of a long-distance channel crossing. — Maura Twomey completed the 20-mile Catalina Channel swim on August 17, 2026, becoming the oldest person to achieve the feat. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Maura Twomey became the oldest person to complete the Catalina Channel crossing on August 17, 2026. The Boston resident finished the 20-mile swim in 15 hours, 45 minutes and 23 seconds.

Why it matters

The feat served as a fundraiser for the Irish Kidney Association following her brother's recent kidney transplant. Her successful completion of the swim also earned her the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming.

The swim covered 20 miles in a total time of 15:45:23. This successful crossing secured the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming for the 70-year-old athlete.

The players

Maura Twomey

She is a Boston-based athlete who has now completed major open water swims including the English Channel and the 20 Bridges Swim.

Martin Twomey

He is a recipient of a kidney transplant who endured two and a half years of dialysis before his surgery in June 2026.

Irish Kidney Association

This organization supports patients suffering from kidney failure and promotes organ donation across Ireland.

The details

Twomey navigated the challenging conditions aboard the support vessel Kamryn Dawson with assistance from a kayak and crew. She dedicated the swim to her brother, Martin, who underwent a kidney transplant in June 2026 after spending two and a half years on dialysis.

Maura Twomey completed the English Channel swim in 2015.
The 20 Bridges Swim was finished by Twomey in 2023.
Martin Twomey received a kidney transplant in June 2026.
The Catalina Channel swim took place on 17 August 2026.
The fundraiser's online donations closed on 4 September 2026.

Season Trajectory

This achievement places Twomey in the elite group of swimmers who have completed the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming. It marks a significant personal milestone that builds on her long-term history of distance swimming in international waters.

By completing this swim, Twomey surpassed the previous age record for the Catalina Channel crossing. The fundraiser associated with her effort exceeded its financial goal by €2,022.

The takeaway

Long-distance swimming often serves as a powerful medium for charity and personal endurance goals. Setting challenging physical objectives can successfully amplify awareness and financial support for medical causes.