Heather Harvey (née Roffey), who became the first female swimmer to represent the Cayman Islands at the Olympic Games, made history yet again – this time becoming the first person to swim the Flowers Sea Swim, eight months pregnant.
While the 35-year-old Olympian didn’t race competitively in the 30th annual one-mile swim, she bested 54 other participants, to place 390th in a time of 48:10, according to the official results.
“I just took it slower than I would normally,” she told the Compass. “Not a huge amount of effort really at any stage, just slow and steady and trying not to overdo it.”
Not only did Harvey swim one mile, despite being scheduled to give birth in five to six weeks, but she also took the opportunity to guide Special Olympic swimmer Kanza Bodden through the swim along Seven Mile Beach.
“Just to partner with her and keep her on track and swimming a straight line,” she said. “It was a dual purpose. I enjoyed it.”
Harvey said she was happy to complete the race, while also giving back and making history in the process.
“I think everyone knew I was capable of making a good decision,” she said. “I wasn’t in danger and the baby wasn’t in danger, it was all good.”
Harvey also said that she plans to participate in next year’s event.
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