Family tribute to tragic Channel swimmer

THE family of tragic triathlete Doug Waymark described him last night as truly inspirational.

Mr Waymark, 44, died after attempting the English Channel in an extreme triathlon only ever completed by 25 people.

His family said he was “one of the most competitive people” who would “always be the first to try something and then see if he could better it”.

They also revealed his Herculean efforts had inspired a motto. Sister Jo Ikel said: “A few years ago, when Doug was doing one of his many triathlons, friends mentioned that they needed to channel his energy and enthusiasm.

“Someone said Be More Doug and we used it whenever we needed to up our game.

“His legacy of Be More Doug is fitting for a truly inspiring and much missed chap.”

The family added: “He was a loyal and hilarious friend with a massive friendship group, including those he went to school with.”

Mr Waymark from Cheltenham sailed across the Atlantic as a teenager and completed the Seven Summits challenge including Everest in 2009.

He was taking part in the triathlon from Marble Arch, London, to Paris’s Arc de Triomphe Paris when he became ill.

The organisers said: “Our friend sadly passed away swimming to France during stage two of his solo Arch to Arc.” Athlete CAPTION: DougIs in Waymark8.5pt