Cathys Big Swim 10^6

I’d watch my children glide up and down the lanes under the careful guidance of Russell Geange and think that my days of graceful swimming were over. Twelve years ago I discovered the pool was available to the community and started swimming in the mornings.

I attempted two laps without stopping, then four, then 20, then 40 … now I swim over 100 laps at least three times a week! also under the guidance of Russell in my ambition to podium as triathlete and open water swimmer.

But the greatest lessons have been from the pool community. One particular lady always stopped me to talk. At first it was irritating as I was trying to get in my laps so I could get on and start my day. I soon realised she just wanted someone to listen. She lived on her own and this was her chance to feel visible. She sadly went on to develop cancer. However I learnt to listen and be present. Over the years I’ve marvelled at the people who swim (or sometimes just to walk) in the pool. They find it challenging to be mobile - arthritis, polio, overweight but in the water they are transformed!

It's more than a pool for kids to learn to swim in. It’s an opportunity to learn about community and to give people a richer life. If we can upgrade the pool, more people with have this opportunity. If we don’t it will close. Please support my attempt to swim a Triple 5km during The CENTRAL ITM Big Swim in my quest to add to the cumulative 1 million metres to raise 1 million dollars to upgrade the pool and keep it open!