Sebastian Crawford, Swimming Mile After Mile
Sebastian Crawford is an open water swimmer from South Africa who most definitely goes the extra mile to push himself and help others.
Crawford won the physically disabled race at the 2013 Midmar Mile, but also swims for a greater cause. He swims to raise awareness for people with disabilities on behalf of The Extra Mile.
The Extra Mile initiative uses sporting and artistic events to raise awareness and funds to support people with disabilities.
Through its sporting events the initiative aims to collect as many mile dedications from supporting athletes. Every mile counts and increases the awareness and support for disability.
We asked him what drives him in the water:
Daily News of Open Water Swimming: Why do you enjoy swimming?
Sebastian Crawford: The main reason I enjoy swimming is that I feel that I excel in this sport. I enjoy swimming as it teaches me discipline and you get meet new people whether locally or internationally.
Daily News of Open Water Swimming: What are the hardships that you must overcome to achieve your goals?
Sebastian Crawford: One of the hardest things I have had to over come, and am still in the process of overcoming, is kicking because in order for me to achieve my goals in the up coming years, I will have to rely on my kicking in order to get faster. Also I train with able-bodied people so I have so swim much faster in order to make the certain times set by my swimming coach Petro Nortjie, which in the long run it will benefit myself.
Daily News of Open Water Swimming: What more can people do to support you and The Extra Mile?
Sebastian Crawford: People can go to the Extra Mile website (www.e-mile.org) and help me create an awareness for people and children with disabilities. If people would like to make a monetary donation, we would greatly appreciate it. If you go to www.e-mile.org, you can see what has been done with the funds from 2012.
Daily News of Open Water Swimming: What are your long-term goals in swimming?
Sebastian Crawford: To hopefully qualify for 2014 World Championships and then ultimately qualify for Paralympics in 2016.
Copyright © 2013 by Open Water Swimming
