Wall of Fame: Kyle Poland

When we decided to start honoring local athletes who have Gone Big, our first thoughts turned to Kyle Poland, a former DBF employee who recently swam the English Channel to raise funds for cancer research.

To complete this epic 21-mile swim from England to France, Kyle had to endure over 11 hours of frigid, jellyfish-filled waters that churned with wind and waves. For more in-depth account, we invite you to read Centre College's account of the tale. Aside from the difficulty of this feat and the noble cause for which it was undertaken, what we celebrate is that it was done by someone so intensely local.

See Kyle's signature on the poster he so graciously sent us:


DHS Class of '98
Centre Class of '02
DBF Employee '00 - '02
Channel Crosser '13
Everyone is from somewhere
I'm from right here.

Ernst + Andrew, All the best!
Kyle Poland 11hrs, 19 min.

Epic accomplishments aren't just done by superheroes from somewhere far away. Kyle actually didn't even start swimming until sometime around high school. With a baseline of talent, a healthy helping of drive and the opportunity and willingness practice for thousands of hours, monumental feats like Kyle's can be achieved by people like you and me, by people 'from right here.'

We're proud of Kyle and we hope his adventure inspires even greater exploits in the future!