In the realm of extreme endurance sports, few endeavors are as captivating and challenging as swimming the English Channel. This August, Eugene resident Robin Mayall is set to make history, inspired by a childhood encounter with a remarkable woman, Gertrude "Trudy" Ederle. Mayall's journey is not just about crossing a body of water; it's a testament to the power of dreams, the resilience of the human spirit, and the importance of revisiting our past heroes in the present.
A Childhood Inspiration
Mayall's story begins with a photograph. At age 10, she stumbled upon a black-and-white image of Trudy Ederle, the first woman to swim the English Channel. Ederle's confidence and determination in the photo left an indelible mark on Mayall's imagination. This moment sparked a lifelong fascination with long-distance swimming and a desire to follow in Ederle's footsteps.
"She just looked like she was going to do something amazing," Mayall recalls. "It was the photo that captured me." This childhood inspiration set the stage for a remarkable journey, one that would test her physical and mental fortitude.
A Lifelong Love for the Water
Mayall's connection to the water is profound. From the lakes of Oregon as a little girl to the University of Oregon's swimming pool as a college athlete, she has spent her life immersed in aquatic environments. Her first swim lesson at 2½ years old marked the beginning of a lifelong love affair with swimming. "I just always loved it," she says, "My parents would tell you they couldn't drag me out of any body of water without kicking and screaming going on." This innate affinity for the water would become a driving force in her quest to swim the English Channel.
Overcoming Self-Doubt and Fear
Despite her passion for swimming, Mayall faced self-doubt and fear. She initially feared the cold waters of the English Channel, which can range from 41 degrees Fahrenheit in winter to the low 60s in August. "I thought, 'Well, I know I can swim, but I don't think I could swim in that cold,'" she admits. This fear was a significant hurdle, but it was the pandemic that ultimately pushed her to confront her fears. With swimming pools closed, Mayall continued to swim in Dexter Reservoir, gradually adapting to the colder waters.
The Grind of Training
Mayall's training regimen is rigorous. She estimates the swim will take her about 15 hours if all goes well, and to prepare, she's swimming roughly 35 kilometers every week. This includes an overnight swim in San Francisco Bay, a 10-hour swim in eastern Oregon, and training in 23 different lakes. Her dedication is remarkable, and it's this commitment that will ultimately determine her success.
The Logistics of the Channel
Swimming the English Channel is no easy feat. It's a logistical puzzle with powerful tides, strong winds, and rough seas. The channel is swimmable for only about four months each year due to water temperatures and weather, and only about a dozen boats and pilots are certified to accompany swimmers across it. Planning is crucial, and Mayall's preparation includes booking a boat, pilot, and a multi-day tide window. The uncertainty of the weather adds an extra layer of challenge, known as the 'Dover coaster.'
Facing Her Fears
Mayall's training also involves practicing 'feeds,' where her boat crew throws food and drink attached to a string overboard to keep her nourished. This move is essential for long-distance swims, and it requires extra focus for Mayall, who struggles to easily float. She faces her fears head-on, knowing that taking precautions doesn't always prevent tragedy. "I’d be stupid if I wasn’t scared," she says, "I have huge fears, but I’m prepared."
A Data-Driven Decision
Mayall's approach to her attempt is methodical. She reviewed a database of solo English Channel crossings and found that about one-third of attempts fail. The day with the most successful attempts was August 22, so she made a data-driven decision to swim on that day. "I made a data-driven decision," she says, "I’m going to go on the most successful week."
A Personal Cause
Mayall's attempt is not just about personal achievement; it's also a personal cause. She is raising money for Type 1 diabetes through the organization Mutual Aid Diabetes. Her 26-year-old daughter Asa, a dancer, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 17, which was a shocking and life-changing experience for Mayall. "It’s such a basic thing," she says, "It should be $16 to get insulin. It’s just one of those things that’s just very enraging about our medical system."
Drawing from a Mental Toolkit
As she prepares for the crossing, Mayall draws from a mental and physical 'tool kit' to stay motivated. She has asked friends to help put together a playlist of songs that she'll sing to herself in her head. Her daughter Asa, responsible for manning her Instagram and Whatsapp, will shout out positive messages from loved ones and supporters if she has a 'dark moment of the soul.'
A Tribute to Trudy Ederle
Mayall's attempt is a tribute to Trudy Ederle, the woman who inspired her. Ederle sewed her own swimsuit and used motoring glasses sealed with beeswax for her goggles. "I don’t get anything more than what Trudy got," Mayall says. Ederle's achievement was remarkable; she completed the swim in 14 hours and 31 minutes, beating the existing men's record by almost two hours. Her record stood for 24 years.
A Call to Revisit Women's History
Mayall's journey is a call to revisit women's history and celebrate the achievements of women like Trudy Ederle. "Why don’t we know her name?" she asks. "In this era of women’s voices, women’s strength, women’s history, why don’t we know our own heroes’ names?" This is a powerful question that resonates with many, and Mayall's attempt is a step towards answering it.
As Mayall prepares for her attempt, she draws from a rich tapestry of inspiration, determination, and a deep love for the water. Her journey is a testament to the power of dreams and the resilience of the human spirit. Whether she crosses the English Channel or not, her story will inspire others to pursue their dreams and celebrate the achievements of women throughout history.
