Mandy Lebides couldn’t swim freestyle 18 months ago and hated the idea of goggles.

But she caught the open water swimming bug and completed her first channel swim – from Robben Island in four hours. But her road to success took a slight detour.

“I planned to swim the Freedom Swim relay in 2011, but unfortunately the conditions on the day were very bad, the course was changed and the swim was postponed.

Being a novice, I never took part.” But solo opportunities are always available with the Cape Long Distance Swimming Association, so she attempted a solo Robben Island crossing.

“I successfully completed it 2 weeks ago. It was quite an achievement for me. Two friends accompanied me, I swam in the middle. With Table Mountain in the background, the scenery is spectacular during my 8.8K journey in 14°C.”

The freedom of choice, the challenge of accomplishment, and the self-satisfaction of completing a goal is unlifting. Mandy knows this so well.

Copyright © 2011 by Open Water Source