About Nial Funchion

Nial Funchion is a coach, community leader, medic and police officer for the Chicago Police Department.

Nial Funchion is driven to swim ultra distances whether or not anyone is watching. Some mornings he swims alone the 3.5 miles out and 3.5 miles back from downtown Chicago to the water intake cribs you have to squint to see from shore. Nial didn’t set out to inspire anyone, but people have been touched by his swims. It reminds them of the terrific potential of the human race. What if we all set out to do something almost impossible, and then did it?

So this time, Nial wants to bring in anyone who cares to join. It takes determination to go after your dreams. It’s easier together. Make June 2008 your start date, too, whatever your journey may be. We’ll share our stories and keep each other going.

Beginning in June 2008, Nial will swim the shoreline of Lake Michigan, starting and ending in Chicago. The Lake Michigan shoreline contains the largest lake fully contained within the United States.

Learn more about this remarkable swim.

Long Distance Swims

• 2003 Chicago Lakeshore, Evanston, Ill, to Indiana State Border, 31 miles
• 1998 English Channel crossing world record attempt
• 1995 Chicago to Michigan, across Lake Michigan, approx 26-31 miles after dark.
• 1992 English Channel, England to France, fastest American that year

Nial's Mission Statement

Connect to the Journey will transform an endurance swim by one person, Nial Funchion, into a humanitarian journey shared by many . Dreamers everywhere will unite to help each other past their obstacles, and to spark the spirits of those who have forgotten how to dream.