Tag Archives: swimming

Unveiling the Depths: A Riveting Conversation with Beth French

Beth French
Beth French

In a recent podcast episode that will undoubtedly leave ripples in your soul, our host, Karim Kanji, engaged in a profound dialogue with none other than the remarkable Beth French. Together, they embarked on a journey that touched upon the vast expanse of the sea, the intricacies of personal health, and the awe-inspiring challenge known as the Ocean Seven Challenge.

The conversation set sail with reflections on the sea’s proximity to their respective locations and the diverse accessibility it offers across different regions. Beth, a force of nature, shared poignant insights into her health journey, including her son’s profound love for water activities and her courageous participation in the Ocean Seven Challenge. Picture this: conquering seven global channels solo, without any form of assistance – an extraordinary feat that only someone of Beth’s caliber could undertake.

Yet, beneath the surface lies a story of resilience and determination. Beth candidly opened up about her battle with ME, unveiling the physical pain, bedridden moments, and the often underestimated struggles that accompanied her condition. Her decision to venture into channel swimming after becoming a single mother speaks volumes about her indomitable spirit, tackling both health barriers and the unique challenges of solo parenting.

The conversation further explored the contrasting perspectives of our hosts on open water. While Beth embraced it as a transformative experience, Karim found himself navigating a wave of apprehension.

Beth, ever the storyteller, unveiled the significance of documenting her channel swimming exploits. Her transformative journey involved pushing personal boundaries, conquering mental and physical hurdles, and realizing her own capabilities. The decision to attempt all seven channels in a single year reflects not just her resilience but also her quest to comprehend her body’s extraordinary capabilities.

Yet, the story doesn’t end there. The conversation extended to the challenges Beth encountered while filming her swimming adventures and parenting Dylan, her son with autism. It’s a testament to her multifaceted journey, encapsulating not just personal triumphs but the intricate dance of life’s challenges.

Join us on as we dive into this exploration of resilience, self-discovery, and the awe-inspiring journey of Beth French, as she navigates the seas and the ebbs and flows of life’s challenges. This blog post is just the surface; the podcast is the deep dive.

This is Episode #288 of the Welcome! podcast.

Rio 2016 Olympic Moment: Penny Oleksiak

Everyone loves the Olympics. Even the harshest critics among us can find a feel good human story once in a while. As we all experience the Olympics I’ll attempt to share a favourite moment.

Even before last night, Penny Oleksiak was the odds on favourite to carry the Canadian Flag into the Closing Ceremonies in Rio. And now, the first time Olympian, who was unsure she would even be on the swim team in Rio, has won Gold. Apparently she is the first Gold Medalist at these Games born in the 2000s.

Rio 2016 Olympic Moment: Miguel Duran Navia

Everyone loves the Olympics. Even the harshest critics among us can find a feel good human story once in a while. As we all experience the Olympics over the next two weeks, I’ll attempt to share a favourite moment.

Here’s my first moment: