MYSWIM : The Ocean 7 with Andy Donaldson
10/20/23 • 73 min
Ever wondered what it takes to complete Open water swimming’s Ocean 7, understanding the challenges both mentally and physically? Well today’s extraordinary guest contemplated the same dream but went above and beyond to pushed the boundaries of human endurance by targeting all seven swims in under a year and used their incredible achievements to make an impact on mental health support. Today we talk through THE WHAT, WHY, HOW AND WHO with the incredible multiple world record holder Andy Donaldson
What is the Ocean 7? The Ocean seven a globally recognized marathon swimming challenge devised in 2008 to push swimmers to conquer seven varied and challenging channels around the world with the intention of being swimming’s equivalent of the Seven Summits mountaineering challenge.
I was fortunate enough to meet Andy at the recently formed Ultra Swim 33.3 event in Montenegro. A fantastically organised event in a beautiful location that I will be doing a separate podcast about in the coming weeks and will leave links to future events in the show notes.
Andy is no ordinary swimmer now holds multiple British and World records for his completed Ocean seven achievements not least being the first to complete the challenge in less than a calendar year as well as cumulatively having the fastest time for the seven swims. But Andy's journey doesn't stop there. Alongside his awe-inspiring athletic pursuits, he has been working tirelessly to raise awareness and support for mental health. Using his swim challenges to push the limits to get positive change to how mental health and wellbeing is talked about and how support is provided. Having had the privilege of being able to delve into the mindset the is extraordinary individual I cannot think of a better ambassador for open water swimming and champion for mental health support and awareness.
My conversation with Andy took place on a stunning beach in the picturesque country of Montenegro between swims at the 33.3 event and I urge those listening to this on audio to visit the MYSWIM.uk YouTube channel, available through links on the MYSWIM.uk website to see the relax beaty of our podcast surroundings.
Although the sound quality may not be on par with a pristine sound studio and you might hear the gentle crashing of waves, the sound of pebbles and the distant laughter of beachgoers, acreaking parasol in the gentle breeze. I know you’ll appreciate I’m finding it hard to apologise for being outside in such a stunning location and embrace the ambient sounds of nature over the perfection of a studio – for me this was the perfect studio.
So pull up a chair next to Andy and I, Close your eyes , imagine the breathtaking view, feel the warmth of the sun, and let the atmosphere of this beach in Montenegro ignite your imagination. Get ready to be inspired, captivated, and moved as we uncover the depths of his incredible journey.
It’ll a podcast experience like no other – enjoy!
Links and further information:
- Andy Donaldson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andy.swimming/
- Andy Donaldson website: www.andyswim.com.au
- Ultraswim 333 website site : www.ultraswim333.com
- Www.MYSWIM.uk
- YouTube link to podcast episode: https://youtu.be/NRyi1eVOjRw?si=3qAhsniGTYRVV0nX
Ever wondered what it takes to complete Open water swimming’s Ocean 7, understanding the challenges both mentally and physically? Well today’s extraordinary guest contemplated the same dream but went above and beyond to pushed the boundaries of human endurance by targeting all seven swims in under a year and used their incredible achievements to make an impact on mental health support. Today we talk through THE WHAT, WHY, HOW AND WHO with the incredible multiple world record holder Andy Donaldson
What is the Ocean 7? The Ocean seven a globally recognized marathon swimming challenge devised in 2008 to push swimmers to conquer seven varied and challenging channels around the world with the intention of being swimming’s equivalent of the Seven Summits mountaineering challenge.
I was fortunate enough to meet Andy at the recently formed Ultra Swim 33.3 event in Montenegro. A fantastically organised event in a beautiful location that I will be doing a separate podcast about in the coming weeks and will leave links to future events in the show notes.
Andy is no ordinary swimmer now holds multiple British and World records for his completed Ocean seven achievements not least being the first to complete the challenge in less than a calendar year as well as cumulatively having the fastest time for the seven swims. But Andy's journey doesn't stop there. Alongside his awe-inspiring athletic pursuits, he has been working tirelessly to raise awareness and support for mental health. Using his swim challenges to push the limits to get positive change to how mental health and wellbeing is talked about and how support is provided. Having had the privilege of being able to delve into the mindset the is extraordinary individual I cannot think of a better ambassador for open water swimming and champion for mental health support and awareness.
My conversation with Andy took place on a stunning beach in the picturesque country of Montenegro between swims at the 33.3 event and I urge those listening to this on audio to visit the MYSWIM.uk YouTube channel, available through links on the MYSWIM.uk website to see the relax beaty of our podcast surroundings.
Although the sound quality may not be on par with a pristine sound studio and you might hear the gentle crashing of waves, the sound of pebbles and the distant laughter of beachgoers, acreaking parasol in the gentle breeze. I know you’ll appreciate I’m finding it hard to apologise for being outside in such a stunning location and embrace the ambient sounds of nature over the perfection of a studio – for me this was the perfect studio.
So pull up a chair next to Andy and I, Close your eyes , imagine the breathtaking view, feel the warmth of the sun, and let the atmosphere of this beach in Montenegro ignite your imagination. Get ready to be inspired, captivated, and moved as we uncover the depths of his incredible journey.
It’ll a podcast experience like no other – enjoy!
Links and further information:
- Andy Donaldson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andy.swimming/
- Andy Donaldson website: www.andyswim.com.au
- Ultraswim 333 website site : www.ultraswim333.com
- Www.MYSWIM.uk
- YouTube link to podcast episode: https://youtu.be/NRyi1eVOjRw?si=3qAhsniGTYRVV0nX
Previous Episode
MYSWIM: Swimming the length of Lake Zurich with Michael Helps
In this episode I share with you a swim I got half way through and proclaim to my boat crew “This is the day I learnt to swim for!”
Through a series of questions friends have asked me over the years I explore the What, How ,When, Why ,Who, Where, of swimming the length of the beautiful Lake Zurich through my personal experience of my favourite lake swim - My individual MYSWIM.
A YouTube video accompanies this podcast which shows further detail of the swim.
Topics covered:
· INTRODUCTION to the Lake - geometry, temperatures, water wild life
· HOW did I prepare for the swim?
· WHAT was my TRAINING PLAN?
· WHAT is my recommended Swim and travel KIT LIST and food?
· WHAT was my Feed Strategy?
· Travel kit suggestions
· WHO is the event for?
· Suggestion for WHERE to stay
· WHAT happens on RACE DAY Prior to the start
· The Race Experience
· My lasting impressions of the swim
· Regular Feature: Factitious swim challenge
Links for further information:
With this episode of the podcast there is a unique MYSWIM design that reflects the essence of the LAKE ZURICH swim discussed. This design is exclusively available through the MYSWIM.uk website, and each purchase helps keep the podcasts going and promoting the shared love for all things aquatic.
It is an exciting journey, and we would be honoured to have you join us with our designs and showing off your love for your individual MYSWIM. Thank you for your support, and we look forward to being a part of your aquatic adventure.
Next Episode
MYSWIM Swimrun with Michael Lemmel
Ever wanted to find an aquatic adventure that transcends mere metrics of distance and duration. In this episode we enjoy a conversation with the visionary joint founder of Swimrun, someone who has shaped the evolution of this awe-inspiring sport into the global event it is today.
We uncover the philosophy that underpins Swimrun, as we delve into how its unique format and how it works with nature, embracing its beauty and pushing the participants to the edges of what they think is possible.
In this episode we talk to Otillo's joint founder and father of Swimrun - Michael Lemmel. We really drill down into the essence of the sport and delve into Michael's profound philosophy behind the WHY of Swimrun—an event that goes beyond the mere realms of swimming and running.
We explore Michael's beliefs that through this unique multi-sport discipline, we can tap into the essence of our surroundings, immersing ourselves in the awe-inspiring landscapes, and experiencing a profound connection as paired competitors work with the elements to achieve a common goal.
The interview takes place on the beautiful Lazure beach in Montenegro. The perfect location to have a conversation with someone with such a love of the outdoors. Together, we'll explore Michael's unwavering belief that Swimrun is not just a race; he shares his insightful perspectives and personal experiences, we'll discover the unique
meaning behind this sport and uncover how it has the potential to shape not just our bodies, but our minds and spirits as well.
So, get ready for a captivating conversation, as Michael Lemmel unravels the secrets of Swimrun and guides us on a journey of connection, and limitless possibilities. I hope this
episode leaves you inspired, intrigued, and eager to explore an event that at its core is designed to integrate the potential of competitors with nature.
Further links and details on: www.MYSWIM.uk
YouTube version of the interview: https://youtu.be/rUSAlOJzJns
Michael Lemmel’s Instagram account : @Michaellemmel
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