Second-grader swims from Alcatraz Associated Press SAN FRANCISCO - A 7-year-old Arizona boy on Monday became one of the youngest ever to swim from Alcatraz Island to San Francisco.
Braxton Bilbrey, a second-grader from Glendale who has completed several short-scale youth triathlons, completed the estimated 1.4-mile swim early Monday. His coach and two other adults joined him in the chilly waters of San Francisco Bay.
"I think it's pretty cool," Braxton said shortly after his father grabbed him under the arms and lifted him out of the water at Aquatic Park. He was greeted on the beach by reporters, photographers and well-wishers.
His mother, Stacey Bilbrey, wasn't originally sold on the idea, but accepted it once the boy proved he was dedicated, she said.
"For a 7-year-old to be that motivated and stick with a goal that long is amazing," she said. "Any time a 7-year-old has that strong of a desire, as long as it's a good desire, you should support it. He's worked hard for it."
Alcatraz, once a notorious federal prison that housed some of the nation's infamous criminals, including Chicago mobster Al Capone, is now a tourist site that attracts about 1 million visitors a year. It also draws a fair share of swimmers who attempt the crossing as part of the annual Escape from Alcatraz triathlon.
The Arizona second-grader got the idea when he saw a magazine story about a 9-year-old boy who made the swim. Johnny Wilson, a fourth grader from Hillsborough completed the swim in 53-degree waters last October in under two hours.
When Braxton asked his swim coach, Joe Zemaitis of Scottsdale, if he thought he could do it, Zemaitis said he thought the second-grader could, thinking he meant some time before he turned 9.
"If you were to ask me if a 7-year-old is old enough to do it, I'd say maybe one out of 10 million," Zemaitis said. "But he's that one."
Braxton trained two hours a day four times a week. He also swam in several Arizona lakes and in San Francisco Bay last month.
I've got a 7 year old boy, and I don't think there's any way in the world that he would be able to come anywhere close to doing that.
Props to Braxton!
Yes doctor, I am sick. Sick of those who are spineless. Sick of those who feel self-entitled. Sick of those who are hypocrites. Yes doctor, an army is forming. Yes doctor, there will be a war. Yes doctor, there will be blood.....
That's pretty darn impressive. Although it wouldn't have been nearly as impressive if he got ate by a shark...or maybe it would have been more impressive?
Anyway, I don't know if I should be embarassed, or in awe that there's seven year old who could probably beat me in a triathalon.
On top of the fact that its a 1.4 mile swim, it is also very harsh conditions. Cold waters, a strong current, sharks, and its not still water. For anyone to do it is incredible for a seven year old it is just unbelievable
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by Omaha Red Sox » Mon May 22, 2006 1:36 pm 
1.4 miles? 
