Not many people can say they have completed 1000 swims at Williamstown Beach, but soon enough Newport local Craig Whiting will have the honour.
“I will complete my 1000th swim on Wednesday, March 27. As it gets closer I am starting to get a bit more excited,” he said.
What originally began as a new year’s resolution in January 2021, has turned into an incredible display of dedication.
Struggling with his mental health brought on from COVID isolation, Mr Whiting’s lockdown coping mechanism is now part of his everyday routine.
“I did miss 10 days, but since July 1 2021, I haven’t missed a day,” he said.
“When I started everyone was stuck at home, we couldn’t go to indoor pools so the beach it was.“
Hoping to get something positive out of COVID, Mr Whiting found a new passion.
“I was working but it was from home, everything was such a downer, it definitely helped with those things.”
Mr Whiting also lost his father late last year and he has coped with his grief through swimming.
“It clears your head when you can be quite anxious. You get down (to the beach) in the morning, jump in the water and by the time you get out it’s all washed away.”
In addition to improving his health, Mr Whiting said he has met friends and plans on continuing to swim past the 1000 milestone.
“I’ve met some amazing people down there who are really nice, everyone is so friendly , it is a nice little group,” he said.
“I am already looking ahead at my three year target which will be July 1, which will be 1095 swims.”
The community is invited to support Mr Whiting on his 1000th swim beginning at 8am.
