Alon Mandel Attempting to Swim New Zealand’s Cook Strait

“Whether I’m successful in completing the swim or not, it doesn’t matter,” Mandel said. “I’m trying to create awareness for Parkinson’s Disease by doing this swim, and I believe I’ll be successful in that.”

Though he’s no longer a competitive swimmer, Michigan alum Alon Mandel (2007-10) is still seeking out challenges. His next one is the biggest yet.

Next week, Mandel will fly halfway around the world to New Zealand where he will attempt to swim the Cook Strait, a 14-mile stretch of open water separating the north and south islands. He’s doing it to raise awareness for Parkinson’s Disease and has set up a 501(c)3 GoFundMe with the proceeds going for Parkinson’s Research.