Mandy Lebides, From No Goggles To Freedom
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
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.
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