UPDATE- Michael Sean Hodel’s English Channel Swim-Son about to take a Dover Dive and Head for France
July 8, 2026
Birch Bay, Washington
Proud Papa Part II
UPDATE — Michael Sean Hodel’s English Channel Swim
Looks like Michael Sean is now aiming to begin his English Channel swim on the morning of Thursday, July 9, British time, which will be the evening of Wednesday, July 8, U.S. time. Michael was a swimming star at his alma mater, , William’s College Class of ’99 and as he rapidly approaches age 49, has been training hard and is in the best shape of his life.
He will be escorted by Pegasus, and the swim can be followed through the Channel Swimming & Piloting Federation live tracker. To follow his progress, go to:
Then filter/search for Pegasus.
His wife, Joyce, will be aboard the boat as his No. 1 cheerleader and will also be posting live updates from the boat whenever possible on this WhatsApp channel:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/GMjp6inrQB8HISSUxbVhAr?mode=gi_t
Let’s all give him our support as he takes on the Channel challenge.
Mike and Joyce Christmas, 2025
I wish him luck and a safe journey there and back again.
Wishing Mike the very best of luck Steve. He had chosen a great time to take the dip over to France as the UK had a heatwave! I’ll be watching his progress with interest. What a great adventure for him. Su
Thanks Su. Yes, quite a challenge. Mike’s got brains too. Three time appearances on Jeopardy back when Alex Trebek was hosting it. Plus he and Joyce have given me two beautiful grandchildren, Ella and Tucker. Life is good.
All my best wishes, Steve, to your son Mike in his English Channel swim👍!!! Please keep me posted on how the swim goes! If you recall in our past correspondence over many years, my Dad, Thomas McGoldrick won the Golden Gate Swim in 1931. I do recall my father in his many promotional talks to me (I was a synchronized swimmer) that if I followed his dream of swimming the English Channel I would have to cover myself in bear grease to ward off the eels biting my skin🙁……that did it for me!! The swim for Mike will be a wonderful accomplishment and always proudly remembered by Ella & Tucker🥰! My best to wife Joyce too….her presence will mean the world to Mike as he swims💝! My best wishes of joy & happiness to you all! Go Mike 🏊♂️🇱🇷!!
Patricia O:
Thanks mucho. Yes, something that he and the family will be proud of for generations. Didn’t know about eels, but the jellyfish are supposed to be a real problem not to mention the cold cold waters. Fingers crossed he will get to “Go” and great to be able to track his swim live. Best, Steve
The fatherline IS PROUD!!
Peace and LOVE!🙏🏼💖
Yolie 💎
Congratulations, Michael. Great personal victory.
What a feat to attempt! (You’ll do it!) All the best wishes!