Egyptian Swim Team 1951

The Daily Mail International Race 1951. The Festival of Britain Year. Folkestone Open Air Pool. The Eygptian Swim Team, with supporting swimmers and back up. Walking behind their National flag held by Fahmy  Attallah.

Fahmy of Egypt made 7 attempts to swim the channel but none were successful; Aug 29 1939, 16hrs 00 mins, England – France. This was the last attempt before the Second World War. He was 5 miles out; Sept 04 1947, 21hrs 30mins, France – England, 7 miles out; Aug 29 1948, 24hrs 00mins, France – England, 1 mile out; Sept 04 1949, 22hrs 30mins, France – England, 1 mile out; Oct 02 1949, 16hrs 00mins, France – England, 6 miles out; Aug 22 1950 Daily Mail Race, 27hrs 13mins, France – England, 300 yards out; Aug 15 1952, 20hrs 00mins, France – England, 2 miles out.

A Black and white Photograph. The Sam Rockett Collection.