Swimming for JoySwimming for Joy
Days Like These — True Stories
It’s mid-winter in the Snowy Mountains and in the Thredbo river, where the water is 3.3 degrees, a woman swims laps. She’s wearing just a regular swimsuit, cap and goggles. The swimmer is 40-year-old Joy Symons, attempting an ‘ice mile’, a feat considered by some the most dangerous swim in the world. To achieve this official ice mile, she must give proof that she is alive 45 minutes after the event. A former Australian representative swimmer, she and her family live at the public pool they manage in sunny Rockhampton, Queensland. So what’s brought her to swim in this murky pond with snow falling around her? And how will the grit that made Joy competitive as a young swimmer help her today?
28:01•9 Nov 2021
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.
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