A Feat Rarer Than Climbing Everest Earns Mill Valley Honors

The local architect completed three of the world's most celebrated marathon open-water swims.

By Albert Gregory, Patch Staff

Aug 31, 2026 11:03 AM PDT

MILL VALLEY, CA — More people have climbed Mount Everest than accomplished what one Mill Valley resident recently completed in the open water.

The Mill Valley City Council honored architect and endurance swimmer Michael Heacock at its August meeting after he completed the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming — three marathon swims spanning two oceans and the waters surrounding Manhattan.

Heacock completed the Catalina Channel in 2024, followed by the English Channel in 2025 and the 20 Bridges swim around Manhattan in 2026, according to a city proclamation.

Councilmember Urban Carmel emphasized just how small the group of swimmers who have accomplished all three remains.

"Four hundred people have done the open-water Triple Crown, 700 people have gone to outer space, so more people have gone to outer space than have done the swim," Carmel said.

He contrasted that with roughly 8,000 people who have climbed Mount Everest and about 500 who have completed the Seven Summits.

"More people have done all of these things than have done what Michael has done," Carmel said.

Heacock has lived in Mill Valley since 2008, where he has worked as an architect.

His local work has included the transformation of the Mill Valley Lumber Yard and projects at Mount Tam School and Marin Montessori School, along with work for nonprofits across the Bay Area, officials said.

Mayor Max Perrey recognized what he called Heacock's "extraordinary athletic achievement" and thanked him for "the beauty and vibrancy he brings to the Mill Valley community."

For Heacock, completing the three swims became about more than reaching the other side of the water.

He said it became a life-changing adventure and thanked his family and friends for supporting him through injuries, overnight training and the nerves that accompanied the challenges.

"I feel so blessed to be a member of this community," Heacock said. "I urge everyone to pursue joy, enduring, timeless joy, with your family and friends."