22 July 2022

Epic Oceans Seven Swim Challenge

Perth swimmer Andy Donaldson is aiming to become the first person ever to complete all seven channels of the Oceans Seven Swim Challenge for mental health awareness.

The Oceans Seven is a marathon challenge comprised of the seven toughest, and most iconic channel swims in the world. Each swim presents its own unique challenges such as extreme cold, swell, sharks, and jellyfish. Local Perth swimmer Andy Donaldson is aiming to become the first person ever to complete all seven channels in 12 months to raise as much money and awareness as possible for Mental Health and the Black Dog Institute.

Andy grew up as a swimmer in the west coast of Scotland to a Scottish father and Indonesian mother. After moving to Perth WA in 2013, he discovered open water swimming where he pursued the Olympic dream in the 10km event. Having missed selection, Andy stepped away from the sport to focus on his career and obtain his Chartered Accounting qualifications.

After several years, Andy found himself struggling with life balance and mental health issues. Following some great support, counselling, and a break to travel the world, he returned to the water and to the sport he loved. Through this journey, he discovered the importance of sport and community as tools for managing mental health. He therefore set out to try raise awareness and share messages that such tools & support are available and accessible to everyone. This led to the Oceans Seven challenge which Speedo will be supporting him with and he is teaming up with the Black Dog Institute to raise awareness and funds.

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The Black Dog Institute

For this journey, Andy has decided to team up with the Black Dog Institute. Andy was drawn to their work in mental health research, with funding being used to support their international research, education programs and online clinic services.