Halani Moss-Vete’s Swim Story
When I started Marathon Swim Stories in March of 2020 amid a global pandemic, I was pretty sure that, as marathon swimmers, we were well equipped to endure the unknowns of a pandemic. Among other things, in my swimming I had learned, how to tackle big challenges, persevere through tough times, and cultivate trust in myself and others. I was sure that the lessons from the water equipped us to get through this rough time in history.
What I discovered was that marathons swimmers come from all walks of life, have all kinds of motivations, and that swimming can save your life–in more ways than you think! And that not everyone felt equipped to stare into the face of the unknown.
But that’s the point? Everything in life is unknown. Nothing is guaranteed. From my perspective, the more I can learn about myself from the water and apply it to be my best self in life, the more fulfilled I will be.
What lessons have you learned from the water that equip you for whatever life throws at you? Join our community where we talk about life lessons from the water, or email me.
The more stories I hear, the more grateful I am for the opportunity to connect with swimmers all over the world – to dig into the connection that humans have with the water and the lessons that we can learn – if we let them in.
When today’s guest reached out to me and explained that she too had swam 29 hours in her big swim to celebrate her 50th trip around the sun, I was thrilled to connect. Halani generously shares her lessons from the water; how they have helped her come from the depths of despair to revisit connections and build relationships so that she could learn that what she once thought was unimaginable, was possible.
I hope you enjoy her story.
In her own words:
At 50, I never imagined I’d tackle my toughest swim yet. Born in American Samoa and raised in the Hawaiian Islands, I was in the sea before I could walk on land, and while I’ve always been a pool swimmer, the open water is where I truly feel at home. For me, pool swimming has been all about hard work, while open water brings the perfect blend of hard work and play—nothing compares to the adventure and fun of marathon swims.
Having always lived close to the coast, I can’t imagine life away from water. Now, as a resident of the Kent Coast in England, I consider the English Channel my literal and figurative home, even learning to embrace its chillier temperatures.
I’m also a professional writer and charity worker, dedicated to supporting causes close to my heart—suicide prevention, bereavement support, homelessness, and mental health. My work and passions are tightly interwoven, and open water swimming is one of the most meaningful ways I stay connected to both.
To read about or support my 2024 tribute swim for charity, please visit: https://dailynewsofopenwaterswimming.com/halani-moss-vete-swims-in-her-sanctuary-in-a-tribute-to-her-mother/
