Sophie Etheridge is redefining open water swimming. A marathon swimmer, coach, and disability...

Sophie Etheridge is redefining open water swimming. A marathon swimmer, coach, and disability advocate, she made history in 2023 by becoming the first person with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome to swim the English Channel solo—setting a World Record for the longest English Channel Swim at an astonishing 29 hours and 4 minutes.
In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, Sophie takes us behind the scenes of her record-breaking swim, sharing the physical and mental challenges she faced during nearly 30 hours in the water. From training and preparation to the unexpected obstacles that tested her resilience, Sophie’s story is a testament to determination, adaptability, and the power of a strong team.
She also speaks about her work in making swimming more accessible, advocating for better opportunities for disabled swimmers, and why she believes everyone should have the chance to experience the freedom of open water.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation about overcoming adversity, pushing boundaries, and the true meaning of endurance.
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Thank you for your amazing !
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Show notes
Who is Sophie 
Ultra marathon swimmer and adaptive athlete.
Previously peaking to Sophie on the Tough Girl Podcast (TGP) in August 23rd 2022 
Being the founder of ADOWS - Adaptive and Disabled Open Water Swimmers 
What we talked about the first time we spoke on the TGP
What was happening in 2022
The English Channel Relay Swim 
Marathon Swimming Federation 
Thinking about doing a solo English Channel swim 
Swimming Teachers Association (STA) Conference 
Wanting to complete the original swimming triple crown as a disabled person
Getting sponsored to swim the English Channel 
What changed going forward 
Needing to have a medical and do a qualification swim 
Wanting to learn as much as she could about swimming the English Channel solo
Going on a swim camp in Wales by herself and travelling solo 
Why 2023 was a very quick year, but took a long time
Sharing her goal of a solo swim 
Having 8 months to train 
Starlight - shining a light on disability swimming 
Up-skilling swimming teachers and training them how to teach disabled people how to swim 
Having no doubts and the power of words and language 
Not being able to tread water and how that changed the feeding process
The multiple challenges that Sophie would have to face during the swim 
Having a great crew and team around her 
Going on a spring tide and getting the last slot available to swim the channel 
The fear of getting out of the water at the end of the swim and not being able to use her legs…
Expecting to do the swim in 18/19 hours
The strategy and the plan for the swim
Night swimming 
Swimming sideways for 7 hours and not being able to make any progress forward
29hrs 4 mins…. Swimming! 
Why it became more of a mental challenge 
Aiming to swim for 24hrs!
Setting 3 world records and not knowing until back on the boat
Reaching  
Getting back on the boat and heading back to England
Not celebrating straight away 
Getting a huge amount of press
Raising over £6,000 for STA 
Fundraising for Level Water 
How to connect with Sophie and follow along with her challenges
Final words of advice
Find out the starting point 
Give yourself permission to let go and to try new things
Why you never know where the journey is going to take you 
 
Social Media
Website/Blog: sophie-adaptive-athlete.com 
Instagram: @sophie_adaptive_athlete
Facebook: @sophie_adaptive_athlete