In addition to the free accommodations offer in Fiji for the Fiji Swims, David Handley, Founding Director of the Sculpture by the Sea, reminded us that the 18K swim in Fiji can be done in multiple ways: as a solo swimmer, as a duo swimmer, as a team of 5, as someone without a team who would like to be placed in a team of swimmers of similar abilities or as part of the most fun-filled Team Bollywood.
Team Bollywood’s goal is to complete the 18K relay with up to 12 teammates, enjoying themselves, the beautiful South Pacific ocean and the marine life.
David certainly has a unique way to combine pleasure with serious work.
He has also been working hard with 5-time Australian Olympic medalist Shane Gould, who grew up on Fiji and renowned coach Milt Nelms on the Shane Gould Fiji Community Drowning Prevention Program. As David explains, “In coming to the Fiji Swims, you will be helping the work of the Shane Gould Fiji Community Drowning Prevention Program which is working to reduce the high level of drowning in Fiji. Sadly, Fiji has a very high level of drowning among the local population, a problem which exists across the whole developing world. Shane Gould, her husband Milt Nelms and Fiji Swims have joined together to develop a program aimed at improving the aquatic skills of Fijians.
“We are presently working with the main teacher’s college in Fiji with the idea of the teachers becoming a source of information across the country. While you are in Fiji, you will hear more about the work we are doing. It’s not about producing champions, it’s about improving life skills.”
Southern California native, born 1962, is the creator of the WOWSA Awards, Oceans Seven, Openwaterpedia, Citrus Corps, World Open Water Swimming Association, Daily News of Open Water Swimming, Global Open Water Swimming Conference. He is Chief Executive Officer of KAATSU Global and KAATSU Research Institute. Inductee in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Swimmer, Class of 2001) and Ice Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Contributor - Media, Class of 2019), recipient of the International Swimming Hall of Fame's Poseidon Award (2016), International Swimming Hall of Fame's Irving Davids-Captain Roger Wheeler Memorial Award (2010), USA Swimming's Glen S. Hummer Award (2007, 2010) and Harvard University's John B. Imrie Award (1984). Served on the FINA Technical Open Water Swimming Committee and as Technical Delegate with the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games, and 9-time USA Swimming coaching staff. Note: WOWSA only recommends products or services used or recommended by the community. WOWSA does not receive compensation for links or products mentioned on this site or in blog posts. If it does, it will be indicated clearly on that specific post. See WOWSA's privacy policy for more information.