Marathon man John van Wisse conquers Manhattan Island
Article from: Sunday Herald Sun

MELBOURNE marathon swimmer John van Wisse is the toast of New York City today after winning the annual 45km Manhattan Island Marathon Swim.

Van Wisse, the younger brother of English Channel queen and Manhattan conqueror Tammy van Wisse, clocked 7hrs 14mins to beat Australia’s Penny Palfrey by 16 minutes.

The 35-year-old marathon man beat an international field of 22 competitors.

During the race, van Wisse received messages from his sister, Tammy, an experienced tactician for open-water events.

Tammy, 39, was at home in Melbourne, coaching her brother through the night, while taking care of her baby daughter, Rebecca.

But the race had its fair share of dramas.

After van Wisse led from the outset, his support team reported that fellow Australian swimmer, Penny Palfrey, cut short a marker buoy, which helped her close the gap on the Aussie leader.

During the race, Van Wisse's camp lodged a protest.

Palfrey, from Townsville, won last year’s Manhattan event.

Van Wisse told Tammy he planned to make his move with a mile to go, but he kept an even pace, as Palfrey fell further behind.