Getting in and out of a car – and most other places – as a lower body amputee is not easy.

But Nicola Doran (51, Ireland, IISA bio here, @nicoladoran1) is also driven to get in and out of her car often.

To go to the coast around her hometown of Donaghadee in Northern Ireland.

So it is no wonder that her wheelchair collects and deposits sand – a sight rarely seen among those who depend on a wheelchair.

While her lower left leg was recently amputated, she continues to assist and advise swimmers who come from far and wide to attempt solo and relays crossings of the 35 km North Channel.

She says, “I honestly need the sea to heal. I feel her heartbeat when I float, and I can feel her healing my broken body. I really should be on bedrest [but] it’s the wrong advice. If we can help others who feel the restrictions of their disabilities…then job done.”

Over the last few years, the Irish para swimmer has been on a tear, motivating herself and inspiring others.

She achieved th Ice Triple Crown that requires completion of an Southern Ice Mile, a Northern Ice Mile, and an Ice Kilometer at the IISA World Championship in 2024. The year before, she pioneered several new courses:

• a 10.4 km course from Holywood to Brompton in 2 hours 59 minutes
• a 11.1 km course from Bangor to Donaghadee in 3 hours 54 minutes
• a 13.2 km course from Donaghadee to Ballywalter in 3 hours 57 minutes
• a 10.3 km course from Ballywalter to Portavogie in 3 hours 51 minutes
• a 13.75 km course from Portavogie to Portkelly in 4 hours 37 minutes
• a 21.3 km course from Baltimore to Fastnet Rock in 5 hours 33 minutes as a para swimmer
• a 65 km stage swim of the Ards Peninsula in five days, raising money for the Riding for the Disabled Causeway Coast & Glens

After completing a high-altitude Southern Ice Mile in Lake Aguelman Sidi Ali, Khenifry in Morocco in 4.57°C water and -0.90°C air temperatures at 2,080m in 31 minutes 58 seconds, she said, “The beauty of the Ice Triple Crown are the memories made, friendships, understanding and respecting different cultures in different locations and learning. This trip was the most magical one, high up in the Middle Atlas, in Morocco.

At the 6th IISA World Championship in Molveno, Italy in 1.94°C water, she completed the Ice Kilometer in 17:47, the 500m freestyle in 8:45, the 250m freestyle in 4:13, the 100m freestyle in 1:45, the 50m freestyle in 43:73, and participated in Ireland’s 250m relay and the 50m Para relay. Prior to the World Championship, she set a para record at the Clontarf Baths in Dublin in 4.57°C water in 29:57. She said, “Ger Kennedy, as always, helped me to fulfill my dreams prior to my amputation. These swims reflected the power of mental strength, not physical. More than a swim…a far stronger message of hope.”

As the sand continues to follow her wherever she goes.

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