Nathan Romero, a lifeguard at the Larry R. Walkup Aquatic Center in Los Alamos, competing June 4 in the Alcatraz Sharkfest swimming event. Courtesy photo

Los Alamos native Daniel Preston competes in the Alcatraz Sharkfest event. Courtesy photo

Locals Nathan Romero and Daniel Preston were strangers until a unique swimming competition tied them together. Both competed June 4 in the Alcatraz Sharkfest. The 1.5 mile swim meet begins by diving off two ferries near Alcatraz Island and ends at the Aquatic Park near the Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco.

Some may think a 1.5 mile race would be a piece of cake but Romero and Preston, along with about 800 people, endured cold temperatures, rough waters and some aggressive maneuvers by fellow competitors. There was a lot of elbowing, kicking and punching in that water.

Winning is not the main objective but Romero placed 520th and Preston placed 113th overall.  

Although Romero and Preston competed in the same event, they did it for different reasons. As the former director for the aquatic center in Espanola and as a lifeguard at the Larry R. Walkup Aquatic Center, swimming plays a big role in Romero’s life. Despite it being his occupation, Romero said he hasn’t swam in open water since he was 15 years old and competed in a Boys Scout swim meet in Conchas Lake. He decided to take the plunge again to spread awareness of breast cancer.

Romero explained his mother, Monica Roybal, and sister, Chris Ann Romero, both had breast cancer. In fact, a week before he left for the competition, his sister had a mastectomy. Romero added that he wore a pink swimming cap signed by breast cancer survivors.

Both his sister and his mother are proud of his accomplishments. “They were so excited … very excited and so proud,” he said.

To prepare for the event, Romero said he would swim at the aquatic center during his lunch breaks. He covered 10,000 yards per week. A month before the event, Romero took a boat to Abiquiu Lake and swam in the lake.

Another reason why Romero said he wanted to swim in the Alcatraz Sharkfest was to inspire his two young boys, David, 11, and Kaiden Maxx, 23 months old. Romero joked that his family told him he was crazy to do this. “It was crazy,” he said, “but it was one of the best experiences of my life.”

Preston, a native to Los Alamos who works at Los Alamos National Laboratory, said he decided to compete in the event because he had some fears to conquer.

“It’s my dragon to slay,” he said. Preston explained he always had a phobia of sharks and deep water. “I wanted to do things that push me out of my comfort zone,” he said.

So Preston, his wife, who is pregnant with their sixth child, and their children climbed in their minivan and took a road trip to California. He said his family had a blast but similar to Romero’s family, they thought Preston was nuts.

Still, “They were ecstatic. They were very proud of me,” Preston said.

Also similar to Romero, swimming plays a big role in Preston’s life. He said he competed on the swim team growing up and still swims eight miles a week. To help prepare for the Alcatraz Sharkfest, Preston said he swam in his father’s unheated pool at his house in Santa Fe. He explained the event is in waters that are between 55-60 degrees and “this swim (event) could be dangerous if you are not prepared for the cold.”

Although Preston said he doesn’t want to repeat the Alcatraz Sharkfest, he is looking for the next big event, which could be swimming in the Seine River in Paris, France. “I want to do something every day that scares me,” he said. “I want to grow every day.”

Preston said he competed in the Alcatraz Sharkfest to be emotionally stronger, a better person. There was another perk as well.

“I’m less fearful of open water and sharks getting me,” he said.

 Daniel Preston’s children cheer for him during the Alcatraz Sharkest event. Courtesy photo

Nathan Romero with his youngest son and fellow swimming enthusiast, Kaiden Maxx, at Alcatraz Sharkfest. Courtesy photo