The lesson of breaking swimming records
05/03/2023 | Written by Nikos Kaskaras in Swimming Lesson Tips
What is the swimming link between Australia, New Zealand and... Scotland? The answer has a name: Andy Donaldson. He is the man who broke a huge swimming record. And a man with high motivation and high aspirations, who does not just swim for records or fitness. A man who can inspire all swimming enthusiasts and bring out the glory in swimming.
The incredible story of an inspired swimmer
Born in Scotland, Andy Donaldson, a former professional pool swimmer, moved to Australia in 2007 and soon began competing in swimming events. He quickly made a name for himself in the swimming community, winning national and international championships and setting new records in various categories. Among his many achievements, he was the first Scot to swim from Ireland to Scotland, while also breaking the British national record for swimming the English Channel. Donaldson's success in the pool is all the more impressive given the challenges he has faced personally. He has battled depression and anxiety but has found solace and motivation in the pool, using swimming as a means of improving his mental health and well-being.
The outstanding long-course record
Andy Donaldson made history by becoming the fastest swimmer ever to swim between the islands of New Zealand. His world record broke the previous record that had stood for 15 years and was set while he was competing in the Oceans Seven Challenge. The 36-year-old completed the 22-mile swim in just over 11 hours, beating the previous record by just four minutes while battling strong currents and cold temperatures. What's also incredibly impressive is that he swam the entire distance at night wearing just a pair of Speedos, Goggles and a swim cap because such were the rules of the race!
He had to wait more than three weeks for the weather conditions to be right before he could attempt this extraordinary feat.
The touching dedication
To understand the magnitude of Donaldson's achievement, it's better to quote his words in an interview with the BBC:
"Cook Strait is a challenge in itself. It's very windy down there - as anyone who's been to Wellington knows - and the weather in that channel is almost like a wind tunnel. "It's also very tidal and the temperatures were probably similar to back home in Scotland - around 14C. "It was a long time to be exposed to that cold water, but luckily I survived with all my limbs intact. "Swimming through the hours of darkness was a nerve-wracking experience, but we couldn't have asked for a better swim."
Donaldson dedicated his achievement to his late father, who died of cancer. He raised over £14,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support, a charity that provides vital support to those affected by cancer. Donaldson's incredible achievement has been praised by many, including First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who described it as "truly remarkable".
A testament to the appeal of swimming
Donaldson's story is a testament to the enduring appeal of swimming, a sport that has captured the hearts and minds of millions of people around the world. From leisurely dips in the ocean to Olympic-level competitions, swimming offers a unique combination of physical and mental benefits that few other activities can match. Swimming can help you stay fit, reduce stress, improve your sleep and boost your confidence and social skills. It can also challenge you to overcome your fears, set ambitious goals and strive for excellence. For the more adventurous, like Donaldson, there's the sheer joy of long-distance swimming. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced swimmer, there is always something new to learn and enjoy in the world of swimming. You can try different strokes, distances and environments, from the pool to open water, from sprints to distance races. Whatever you choose, there's one constant: swimming is a life-changing activity!
