Fastest Cambridge English Channel swim in a decade

Congratulations to Magdalene PhD student and MCR President, Siobhán, who successfully completed the English Channel Relay last week as part of the 2025 Cambridge vs Oxford Varsity challenge.

Siobhán and her five Cambridge teammates left Dover just after midnight on Friday and reached Cap Gris-Nez, France in an impressive 9 hours and 29 minutes, the fastest Cambridge Varsity relay time in ten years. Although Oxford reached the French coast just 15 minutes earlier, both teams can be proud of a remarkable achievement.

Swimming without wetsuits in cold, dark waters, each swimmer took turns in one-hour shifts, pushing through one of open water swimming’s toughest tests.

The relay also supports the Ocean Conservation Trust, a UK charity working to protect marine habitats. The Cambridge team is still fundraising, you can show your support via their JustGiving page.

The College extends its warmest congratulations and admiration to Siobhán and the entire Cambridge team on this outstanding achievement.

Follow their ongoing adventures on Instagram: @cam_openwater