Surrounded by eleven members of the sizable Cochran clan spanning no fewer than four generations, Cochran made her way across Midmar Dam for what was her last time and emerged from the water to rapturous applause from the large crowd that had gathered to welcome one of the event's icons home.
"I wasn't sure if I was going to make it this year and I'm very tired and very cold but I'm thrilled to have done!" said Cochran. "It was so special to have my family with me every step of the way, especially my great granddaughter!"
"This all started off as a bit of a joke really and it’s just grown over time," added Cochran's son, Neil. "To have four generations competing together in the same swim here today really was special though!"
Five of Cochran's seven children, many of her twenty-five grandchildren as well as 8 year-old Jessie-Clare Goodhall - one of twenty-eight great-grandchildren - were all in attendance and proudly sporting their 'Team Gran' gear appropriately displaying the message of 'The water doesn't know how old'.
"I'm extremely grateful for everything my family has done for and for making this possible.
"Family togetherness is so important and I'm just so grateful that our family is so close and do these sorts of things together."
"It got quite cold out there today; when you spend that length of time in the water then you really start to feel the chill towards the end and it was very special having my family around me to help me through that!"
Despite the joy of her impressive feat, Cochran went on to confirm that her 2015 finish will mark the end of an era for both her and the event.
"I think that's enough now, it's time to say goodbye to the Midmar Mile now," said Cochran.
"I would really like to thank everybody! I have received so much support from everyone which has really meant a lot to me!"
