Alberto Valladares, Mexico. 1958

Alberto Valladares. 26 years old on his first Attempt. Alberto Valladares of Mexico made a solo attempt of the English Channel in 1955 from France to England, and gave up after 15hours, at that time he was three miles off the English coast.

Alberto entered the Billy Butlin swim in 1957; he was unsuccessful, he swam for 9hrs. He again entered a Billy Butlin swim in 1958, only swimming for 3hrs 55mins.

He had previously swam in Mexico the Acapulco swim (28K) twice, the Tequesquitengo (26K) three times, the Tampico (28K) four times, and the Valle de Bravo (18K) twice.

From the Sam Rockett collection. Black and White photograph.