In 2020, the Australia Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame was established, recognizing the grit and determination of those who dare to conquer the open water. And in March 2021, I received the incredible news: I was to be inducted!
Standing alongside my amazing coaches, Vlad Mravec and Charmaine Frend, and many of my incredible squad mates, this recognition felt less like a personal achievement and more like a celebration of a shared journey. Over a decade of endurance swimming and racing around the world, every stroke, every sunrise training session, every race finish was a testament to the power of community.
This honor wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible team behind me. It truly took a village to conquer the open water.
- My Coaches, Vlad and Charm: Their unwavering belief in me, their expert guidance, and their relentless dedication pushed me beyond what I thought possible.
- My Squad Mates: You were my training partners, my cheerleaders, and the people I spent every morning with. You made those grueling sessions bearable, even enjoyable!
- The Shark Spotters: To my friends who paddled alongside me in those long training swims, keeping me safe from the unknown – your bravery and support meant the world.
- Joe Dickson, my navigator: Joe's steady hand and expert navigation kept me on course in the vast ocean. Without him, I'd probably have missed a finish line or two!
- My global support crew: to everyone that came to my race finishes, who cheered from afar, who liked my social media posts, who followed my little GPS dot on a map around the world and who helped me raise over $60K for Multiple Sclerosis in 2012 – your constant energy and support fueled me every step of the way.
- My amazing family: Mum, Dad, and my siblings Mark and Annabel – you were the backbone of my races. Running water logistics, providing unwavering support from the boats, holding up whiteboards with messages of support, coordinating with land crews, and countless other tasks - you were my key to success.
This induction is a celebration of every person who believed in me, who pushed me, and who shared in the adventure. It’s a reminder that even the most solitary of sports is built on the strength of community. To everyone who played a part in this journey, thank you.
