Open water swimmers have a lot of time and opportunity to think deep thoughts.
Over his 59 professional marathon swims that he finished in his career, that includes winning seven World Professional Marathon Swimming Federation titles between 1980 and 1985 and in 1988, in addition to numerous lake swims, ocean races, pioneering crossings, and other solo swims (including 3 English Channel crossings in 3 week in 8 hours 12 minutes, 8 hours 34 minutes, and 9 hours 5 minutes) Paul Asmuth (68, USA, MSF bio here) has had plenty of time of think.
The thoughts of the dual inductee in the International Swimming Hall of Fame (Class of 2010) and the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (Class of 1982) have been frequently documented in numerous articles and penned in two of his vastly different books:
- Marathon Swimming: The Sport of the Soul released in 2018
- The Adventures and Lessons of Theo and Violet – Wonders of the Oceans
The Adventures and Lessons of Theo and Violet, recently released, is the first part of a children’s series. The 60-page book is both educational and transformative, serving as an invitation to children and their families to slow down, to observe the world around them with curiosity and reverence, and to recognize that each living creature carries not only biological significance, but also moral and spiritual meaning.
Through marine mammal encounters, the book introduces children to themes such as courage, empathy, cooperation, forgiveness, and hope. He seamlessly weaves easy-to-comprehend storytelling with marine science through the eyes of Theo and Violet who represent the curiosity and wonder of children. Through their innocent eyes, Asmuth explores diverse ecosystems, from Arctic ice fields to coastal harbors, from tropical waters to remote marine sanctuaries.
Each chapter introduces a different marine mammal. For example, flip through the pages to learn about the awe and reverence of a humpback whale and the adaptability and community of sea lions. A gray whale and her calf illustrate the concepts of nurturing and perseverance while a long-lived bowhead whale is a symbol of wisdom.
It is more than a children’s book – Theo and Violet presents a series of life lessons and moral teachings that Asmuth has clearly deeply thought about and wishes to share with children and parents alike.
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