THE ORIGINAL TRIPLE CROWN is three channels the North Channel, English Channel, and Bristol Channel.

The original Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming is a marathon swimming challenge consisting of three historically important swims:

• English Channel - between England and France
• North Channel -   between Ireland and Scotland
• Bristol Channel -  starting or finishing in North Devon England  / Porthcawl, Wales

The less known Original Triple Crown was first completed in 1971 some 16 years before the better known Triple Crown [which comprises The English Channel, the Catalina Channel and the Manhattan Island swim (20 Bridges in later years)].

To qualify for THE ORIGINAL TRIPLE CROWN

• The Bristol Channel must start or finish west of the River Ogmore AND /ALSO must start / finish in North Devon or West of.
• Other routes will be considered as qualifying if the route is continuously swam and the total distance exceeds 27K.
• The North Channel within Admirality chart 2198 between Ireland and Scotland.
• The English Channel as per English Channel rules.

Undoubtably, The Original Triple Crown is a most prestigious title and maintains its qualifying criteria in honour of the first finisher Kevin Murphy.