Pink October: She pushes herself to the limit in the 24-hour swim for "those who are fighting"

SOLIDARITY. The last day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Friday, October 31st, at the aquatic center, was marked by a challenge: to have at least one swimmer in the pools at all times until the following day. Maurine, a 33-year-old from Saint-Dizier, set herself an additional challenge, aiming to swim for the entire 24 hours.

"Day and night, athletes, businesses, families, friends, come and take up the challenge!" On the gates of the aquatic center, the message printed on a large, very colorful banner invites people to participate.

For the last day of Pink October, a month dedicated to the fight against breast cancer, the Departmental Union of Firefighters is launching the same challenge as last year: swimming for 24 hours, with "always someone in the water, always a chain of solidarity", explains Delphine Mathis, a volunteer firefighter in Eclaron (see inset).

And among the swimmers present, only one person took on an additional challenge: to swim for 24 hours continuously. Or almost. This person is Maurine, a 33-year-old soldier from Saint-Dizier. When we arrived at the Presqu'île on Friday afternoon, October 31st, Delphine Mathis informed her of our presence.

Time for her to catch her breath, and for us to learn about her motivations: "I push myself because I know that women are fighting against breast cancer. I fight for them in the pool," says the young woman, who has been in the water since 10:30 a.m. During our visit, she had only taken one short break around noon, to have a bite to eat and regain her strength.

Over the pool's speakers, you can hear "The Rhythm of the Night." Maurine has rhythm. Last night, she had to be swimming, again and again, if she was going to reach her goal. This challenge, in addition to the initial cause, is "improvisation. I'm trying to keep going and swim as much as possible without a distance goal," the triathlete adds. With an iron will. And already, after our interview, she's back in the water.

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From Friday, October 31st at 10:00 AM until Saturday, November 1st at 10:00 AM, there will be someone permanently stationed in the pools. Firefighters from the department, primarily those from the Eclaron fire station, who are organizing the event, along with military personnel, athletes, and others, will be present. "Everyone is welcome to join the event," says Delphine Mathis. For each entry to the pool during the event, 50% will be donated to Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October), a sum supplemented by the sale of merchandise. Two swimming lanes have been reserved since yesterday morning, and more were available Friday evening at the aquatic center, which was operating in nighttime mode, with 100% of the entry fee going to the cause. The goal: "To beat last year's 130 km," says Stéphane Viéville, who had just taken a break after swimming 3 km non-stop.