Swimming Against the Tide – Lessons in Resilience with Andy Donaldson
by Kristina Karlsson
Pushing Past Limits
Have you ever felt like giving up when faced with a challenge?
Whether it's a personal goal, a business endeavor, or a fitness journey, we all encounter obstacles that test our resolve.
But what if your challenge was swimming across some of the world’s toughest waters, battling exhaustion, unpredictable currents, and freezing temperatures?
Meet Andy Donaldson—ultramarathon swimmer, world record holder, and an extraordinary example of resilience. His journey is a powerful lesson in overcoming setbacks, redefining success, and using personal passion for a greater purpose.
In this blog, based on my recent podcast episode, we’ll dive into Andy's inspiring story, his toughest challenges, and the lessons we can all apply in our own lives.
From Olympic Aspirations to Open Water Champion
Andy’s journey started in a swimming pool.
As a competitive swimmer, his dream was to represent his country in the Olympics and Commonwealth Games.
But despite his dedication, he fell short of qualifying—an experience that left him questioning his path.
For years, he stepped away from swimming and built a career in finance. But during the COVID-19 lockdowns, he found himself drawn back to the water.
What started as casual swims for mental well-being soon reignited his passion.
A chance conversation with a mentor challenged him: “You’re encouraging others to chase their dreams—when are you going to chase yours?”
That moment changed everything.
Andy set his sights on the Rottnest Channel Swim, a 19.7km race in Western Australia.
He didn’t just aim to complete it—he wanted to win. Against the odds, he trained strategically, worked with an expert team, and on race day, he crossed the finish line first, winning by a staggering seven minutes.
That victory wasn’t just a personal achievement; it was a wake-up call.
He realized he was capable of more than he ever imagined.
Taking on the Ocean Seven Challenge
Inspired by his success, Andy took on one of the most grueling endurance challenges in the world: The Ocean Seven.
This feat involves swimming seven of the most challenging channels across the globe:
1️⃣ English Channel (UK to France) – The most famous swim in the world, spanning 33km through icy, busy waters.
2️⃣ North Channel (Ireland to Scotland) – Considered one of the coldest and most difficult swims.
3️⃣ Cook Strait (New Zealand) – A treacherous 26km swim between the North and South Islands.
4️⃣ Molokai Channel (Hawaii) – A 42km battle against massive swells and powerful currents.
5️⃣ Strait of Gibraltar (Spain to Morocco) – A 16km sprint between Europe and Africa.
6️⃣ Catalina Channel (USA) – A 32km swim in California’s unpredictable Pacific waters.
7️⃣ Tsugaru Strait (Japan) – A 20km swim through rapid-changing tides and marine life.
Completing just one of these swims is a massive accomplishment.
Andy set out to do all seven in a single year—a feat no one had ever achieved before.
The Hardest Swim of His Life
While every swim presented its own challenges, the Molokai Channel in Hawaii pushed Andy to his absolute limit.
He swam into an unforecasted storm, facing three-meter swells, relentless currents, and extreme exhaustion.
At one point, he was swimming on the spot for hours, making no forward progress.
His body was shutting down.
His mind screamed at him to quit.
So how did he keep going?
🧠 Mindset – He focused on why he was doing it: to inspire others, to challenge himself, and to raise funds for mental health.
💬 Support Team – His team on the support boat kept him motivated, reminding him that quitting was never an option.
💡 Breaking it Down – Instead of focusing on how far he had left, he told himself: Just make it to the next feeding break. One stroke at a time.
After an excruciating 18-hour battle, he reached the shore.
It wasn’t his fastest swim, but it was the most defining moment of his journey.
Key Lessons from Andrew’s Journey
💡 1. Find Your “Why”
When you’re facing a tough challenge, your motivation matters. If your “why” is strong enough, it will push you forward when things get hard.
💡 2. You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
Behind every successful person is a strong support system. Surround yourself with people who lift you up and keep you accountable.
💡 3. Small Steps Lead to Big Wins
Don’t focus on the entire journey—just the next small step. Whether it’s a business goal, fitness target, or personal challenge, progress happens one move at a time.
💡 4. Setbacks Aren’t the End—They’re Redirections
Not making the Olympic team felt like failure at the time. But if Andrew had made it, he might never have discovered his true passion. Sometimes, setbacks lead to even greater opportunities.
💡 5. Strength is Built Through Adversity
The most difficult moments in life teach us who we truly are. When you feel like giving up, remember: the breakthrough always comes after the struggle.
What’s Next for Andy?
Well he isn’t stopping anytime soon!
He’s currently planning more record-breaking swims, including a 100km swim from Dubai to Abu Dhabi and a 155km swim around Bahrain.
He’s also working on a book to share his story in even more depth.
Final Thoughts: So What’s Your Big Goal?
Andrew’s story is proof that we are all capable of more than we think.
What challenge are you facing right now?
What’s your next big goal?
And most importantly—what’s your why?
let us know in the comments below...
If you need a little extra motivation, listen to the full podcast episode here!
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