"Olympic Cajun" goes for Internet gold in flooded Louisiana ditch
The swimmer takes his mark. Cap in place, he windmills his arms to get ready. And then, the dramatic dive.
No, we're not talking about this guy:
We're talking about Jo Guidry of New Iberia, La. Incessant rains have created a makeshift Olympic pool near his home, and this Facebook Live clip has made him an online star:
Instead, his video has been viewed nearly 3 million times.
For many, of course, floodwaters are no laughing matter. Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards declared a state of emergency as rescue workers in the southeastern part of the state braced for more precipitation through the weekend.
And you'd be hard pressed to find a safety expert who recommends jumping into a flooded ditch.
"It is NEVER safe to drive or walk into flood waters," the National Weather Service warns.
Guidry is a corporate safety director and triathlete who seemed to master his surroundings, and the yard and street in his video appeared to remain high and dry as the ditch became a dive lane.
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