ABC Podcasts
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Swimming for Joy
Swimming for Joy
Swimming for Joy
Tuesday 9th November 2021
Join Joy Symons as she tackles the 'ice mile', overcoming extreme cold and mental hurdles in this inspiring tale of determination.
28 minutes
Inspiring
Empowering
Hopeful
Transformative
Engaging
About this podcast
Author:
ABC Podcasts
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Success Stories
Relationships & Community
Empowering Recovery Journeys
Family Recovery from Addiction
Comedic Journeys
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Episodes:
130 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Braving the Ice: Joy Symons' Chilling Swim of Determination
Swimming for me, or for a lot of my swimming career, was the equivalent of someone who self harms. I didn't realize that I had a choice, that I could stop swimming.
Picture this: It's mid-winter in the Snowy Mountains, and the Thredbo River's temperature is a bone-chilling 3.3 degrees. In these icy waters, Joy Symons, a 40-year-old former Australian representative swimmer, is attempting an 'ice mile'. This isn't your average swim—it's considered one of the most perilous swims in the world. To officially complete the ice mile, Joy must prove she's alive 45 minutes after finishing.
Joy, who manages a public pool in sunny Rockhampton, Queensland with her family, is far from her usual warm environment. So what drives her to brave these freezing conditions? This episode of 'Days Like These' dives into Joy's remarkable journey. From her competitive swimming days to her current quest, Joy's story is one of grit and determination. She faces not only the physical challenges of swimming in near-freezing water but also the mental battles that come with it.
Supported by her family and friends, Joy draws on her extensive training to push through her fears and doubts. This tale isn't just about swimming; it's about finding joy in the face of adversity and the power of perseverance. Joy's experience highlights the beauty and danger of open water swimming and underscores the importance of mental preparation for physical challenges. Her journey is a powerful reminder that with hard work and support, we can tackle even the most daunting tasks.
Tune in to hear how Joy's resilience and the backing of her loved ones help her conquer one of the toughest swims imaginable. Whether you're on your own journey to sobriety or just love a good story of human spirit, this episode will leave you inspired and hopeful.