Across The Lake

Diary entry – Tuesday September 7, 1976…”I would like to be in the Paralympics when I’m 16 in 1980. I’ve made up my mind – if I don’t make that I’ll swim Lake Ontario.” With hard work and determination I achieved my dream to represent Canada in the 1980 Paralympics (amputee division) in Arnhem, Holland.

Fast-forward 35 years to 2011. Life’s blessings and unanticipated detours have brought me back to the water.

At 47, I want to compete in my first 2km Open Water Swim in the “Across the Lake Swim” in Kelowna, B.C.

Why? I have rediscovered my love of the water. Swimming is my solace, it is my passion, it “buoys“ me physically and emotionally. It gives me my strength and confidence, lap after lap, to be the best mother, employee, daughter, sister and friend I can be-to walk confidently ahead.

In 2009 I started swimming again for health and wellness. Last year I saw myself getting stronger and a nagging thought would not leave me. I want to race again! In August 2010 after some self-training and with nervous anticipation I entered a local 1km Open Water Swim. With my teenage son watching - I finished!

There was no stopping me now. Can I swim 2km? Yes! I believe with coaching, training, a wetsuit and cheerleaders on the shore I can do this!

I want this to be “my Lake Ontario”. My first 2km Open Water swim. I don’t need to finish first – I just want to finish.