Meet Sandra - 2024 Relay Swimmer

My name is Sandra. I started swimming very early on in life in Australia, as many people there do. When I was 14 we moved to the US, and I found myself very angry at the move and always felt like I didn’t fit in here. I abruptly quit swimming after my sophomore year of high school.

I really didn’t fall into addiction until my early 20’s. I was what many would consider a “garbage pail” user, if it was there I would do it. While I was still able to function for the most part, I was completely miserable and without any sense of purpose or who I was. Until I started recovery.

In swimming, I find myself. To me, long distance swimming is somewhat of a metaphor for the journey of recovery - each stroke pushes you forward, overcoming obstacles, and reaching new horizons. Just as the vastness of the water demands resilience and determination, facing addiction requires inner strength and courage.

When I am all alone in the water, my mind finds clarity and peace. I have found that embracing the challenges of long distance swimming cultivates mental resilience and teaches us to navigate life's currents with grace and perseverance.