A birthday toast with pineapple juice, just before starting the swim
One of history’s most remarkable swimmers, and swims, has finally been recognised by the International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF), which this week announced that Walter Poenisch will be one of 17 honourees in their class of 2017.
In announcing their decision, ISHOF describe Poenisch as a baker, rodeo competitor, strongman and swimmer, who entered his first competitive swim in 1963, at the age of 50. It was the 60- mile Jim Moran professional marathon swim in Lake Michigan. Walter failed to finish but was hooked on the sport and was determined to swim even greater distances.