Chloë McCardel: The world's greatest open-water swimmer

The Chloë McCardel story tests the limits of human endurance, and it may stretch your appreciation of what the human body and mind can achieve.

She is probably the greatest ultra-marathon swimmer in history, and holds world records for the longest non-stop swim (124 km, 42 hours) and the most crossings of the English Channel (44).

In this episode we talk about where her mental strength comes from, where her mind goes mid-swim - during the dark times, how she deals with shark danger, the time she nearly died 17 hours into a world record attempt, the time she had to abort a swim due to jellyfish stings, the mental anguish of swimming for 42 hours and what it does to the body and mind and so many other incredible stories.

Chloë might be the toughest athlete we've talked to on this pod. The mental strength it takes to do what she has done is inspiring – and makes you question the limitations you've put on yourself and she's so articulate at relaying her thinking at every step of the journey.

Show notes | Episode 76 | Chloë McCardel

• 52: Seamus reveals his rules around water and his fear of the ocean
• 04: Setting the scene: “I wanted to be the best in the world at something”
• 27:Steven's swimming journey towards a 10km open water swim
• 45: Chloë on mental strength, your purpose, and finding your calling
• 33: The English Channel
• 51: Signing Steven up to the England to Belgium Relay Swim
• 33: Coaching athletes to open water swimming
• 07: Breaking down the mechanics of an ultra-marathon swim
• 04: The importance of the support crew
• 07: The failed triple crossing attempt in 2011: 30 minutes from death
• 12: Shark chat
• 34: The Cuba to USA 160km swim attempt
• 11: The 124km world record unassisted open water swim
• 25: Could you do further?
• 02.50: Media exposure and external support for the challenges
• 05.07 Do you learn more from success or failure?
• 07.02: Using her platform to raise awareness on domestic abuse
• 09.51: Mental strength v physical strength
• 14.28: Thoughts on “being the best in world at something”
• 17.05: Weird things seen in the ocean while open water swimming
• 21.00: Last words from Steven, Seamus and Chloë

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