My 106 km open water challenge

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This submission “Calls from the stands” comes from Robyn Coleman, a stroke survivor who trains for swimming over the Okanagan -Lake in June.

I don't remember a time when I haven't loved the water. Since I was small, swimming has been my escape, my passion and the place where I feel most alive. But at 12 everything changed. I had a stroke. It should have swimming me. It should have taken away everything. But I refused to leave it.

Now, at the age of 19, I prepare for the greatest swimming of my life a 106 kilometer/66-mile world attempt in June 2025. It is about proving the world-and myself-that no challenge is too great to overcome it.

Swimming through adversity

When I had my stroke, we weren't sure what my future would look like. I was young, I was afraid and suddenly my body didn't work the way he always had. The sport I loved felt incredibly far away. But I refused to end my story there.

The recovery was not easy. I had to learn how to move, build strength and trust my body again. There were days when it felt impossible, but I continued. And one day I was back in the water – not only swimming, but also pressed further than ever. The Covid pandemic temporarily closed the pools, but opened a world of the possibility that became a passion: open swimming.

Swimming became my way of defending itself. I not only survived – I prove that I could thrive. And now I want to survive other survivors, athletes and everyone who is confronted with adversity what you can do if you refuse to stop, show other pediatric strokes.

Training for a 106 km swimming

Preparing for this swimming is different from everything I have ever done. My training includes long hours in the pool, open water sessions and strength training to build up the endurance that is necessary for over 72 hours in a row.

Regardless of whether it is a 10 km long parry sound in Lake Huron, Ontario, an 11.8 km in Skaha Lake, British Columbia, or the 36 km effort, swimming on Christina Lake, British Columbia, every swimming, which I conclude is one step closer to the fact that this record is within reach.

However, this trip is more than just a record. I swim for the Heart & Stroke Foundation in Canada and I have the goal of collecting $ 100 for every kilometer that I swim. I would like to return the organization that helped many survivors of strokes and to prove that we can continue to go forward, regardless of the challenges that we face.

Make waves for one thing

This swimming will be one of the longest documented open swimming pool in history, and I will not do it alone. An incredible support crew will follow me in boats and kayaks and keep me safe, fed and motivated. The event will be alive worldwide so that people can follow each other anywhere and be part of this trip.

If you want to support me – whether as a sponsor, donor or just by spreading the word – I invite you to join me in this mission. Together we can do something, inspire others and prove that no challenge is too great to overcome them.

You can follow my trip, donate or sponsor here: www.robyncoleman.com.

This is not just my swimming. This is for every survivor, every dreamer who refuses to leave the challenges of life. Let us make waves together.