Brent Chapman has spent a lot of time in a boat, but I’m sure he’s never been happier to be in one after being saved from the waters near his home Lake Quivira, Kan.
Chapman, who is currently in second in the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Elite Series Angler of the Year standings, decided to sign up for a half triathlon in 2011, in order to keep in shape for the rigors of the Bassmaster Elite Series, but his swimming training went awry.
Chapman, admittedly not a strong swimmer, used a range finder to mark out 500 meters, had his friend hang out on the dock, and he jumped in the lake to try to hit the mark.
He only made it about halfway, and thankfully was able to make it to a buoy and cling on for his life. Luckily, a boater heard his cries for help, and was able to race over and pull Chapman out of the water.
“If that buoy hadn’t been there, and if that boat hadn’t been there to help me, I would have drowned. There’s no doubt,” said Chapman.
Chapman took his swimming training a little more seriously from there, and then finished his half marathon. Whether or not his training will help him take home angler of the year honors is yet to be seen, but he’s certainly fishing weel so far. At least he’ll fare better if he falls off his boat. –Brian McClintock
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