Tara Diversi, a multi-talented nutritionist and 9:45 English Channel swimmer, is on track to do the Oceans Seven with planned attempts of the Catalina Channel, Tsugaru Channel and Molokai Channel scheduled for 2013.

The mere fact that she is swimming at all is close to a miracle.

“I swam until 2001 and then decided it was smart to quit. I have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Due to her condition, I had to endure 7 joint operations because my joints dislocate frequently and I fatigue easy. So I can only swim 2 – 3 pool sessions and one long session per week which is theoretically not enough to swim channels.

But it seemed to be good enough and for that I am grateful.”

Like more than a few open water swimmers, medical professionals tend to be very conservative and worried about swimmers swimming when they have some conditions. “Doctors tell you not to do anything,” explains Diversi about her condition and her doctors. “But last year I ran New York Marathon. My knees and ankles which chronically hurt were no worse – and maybe even better. [So] I thought maybe swimming would help my shoulders. I started swimming again. So far there is no improvement, but I don’t think they are any worse.

I really do hope my joints and fatigue hold out for me to complete the Oceans Seven.”

With that kind of positive determination and deeply felt passion for endurance sports, Diversi succeeds by simply getting to the starting line.

Note: Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a group of inherited disorders marked by extremely loose joints, hyperelastic skin that bruises easily, and easily damaged blood vessels.

Copyright © 2012 by Open Water Source