Sir Richard Branson Does it Again!

Sir Richard Branson is doing it again. The billionaire business man and owner of Virgin brand decided to celebrate his 60th birthday by kite surfing the English Channel with friends and family. Promoting the British Island Virgin Islands Kite Jam, which will happen again in January 2011, his first attempt was in August 2010. Appearing with model Denni Parkinson draped as a backpack, his promotional photos show Sir Branson in top physical condition. He is attempting to break yet another world record by being the oldest person to kitesurf the English Channel.

The Channel, over 24 miles, is also a demonstration of the veracity of yet another Branson venture: Virgin Active UK, part of the global health clubs Sir Richard founded over 10 years ago. With his friends, nephews and children, he has been training with special equipment designed to simulate the actions involved in kitesurfing and help tone the muscles needed to perform this feat. Since learning how to kitesurf Sir Richard has fallen in love with the sport and he has indicated it is his favorite sport. He has spent a lifetime preparing for this by excelling in sports throughout, especially swimming.

The journey is expected to take approximately six hours, depending on kitesurf conditions. Remember, Sir Richard is traveling from Dungeness to the French coast, through one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world. While he will not be attempting this alone, all eyes will be on him as he makes this attempt as part of his birthday celebration. His wife is quoted as saying that his challenges seem to get crazier as he grows older. With a 24 mile journey challenging him, she may be right.

Sir Richard Branson started with a challenge in his younger days in school (dyslexia) and has proven that if you make the decision and take the risks, nothing can hold you back. Spending time focusing on what he is good at (people, business and sports), Sir Richard certainly has excelled in his life, overcoming nearly every challenge he went up against. Deciding to kitesurf the English Channel seems to be the next natural challenge. Beyond family, many will be sure to cheer him on as he proves again that you can achieve what you set your mind to.

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