Bondi Patrol Podcast: Episode 10: Interview with Chloe McCardel, The Channel Queen (and Bondi SBLSC Member!)

Bondi Patrol Podcast

In this episode, we are delighted to welcome Chloe McCardel

Chloë holds multiple swimming World Records and has been inducted into the Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame. Chloe pushes the boundaries of marathon swimming and what the human mind and body can achieve. On October 13th 2021 Chloë broke the World Record for Greatest Number of Crossings of the English Channel. Chloë’s 44 crossings of the English Channel include 35x single, 3x double and a triple non-stop crossing (Australian First). She holds the World Record for the longest non-stop ocean swim (124km, 42hrs). She’s been on front page the The Times and The Guardian, in the UK. Queen Elizabeth commended her on her ‘splendid effort’. She was a joint-winner of Marie Clare’s 2020 ‘Woman of the Year’ for her record breaking 35th Channel swim and advocacy work against domestic violence. Despite experiencing Domestic Violence from two partners, the first when she was 16 years, and being diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) she managed to rise up and become one of the greatest ultra-marathon swimmers in history, an inspiration and role model. Chloë organizes ocean swims in both UK and Australia with her surf rescue boat and in the UK with her 54 foot motor boat ‘Channel Queen'.

Topics we cover include:

1. When did you start the ocean swimming and what made you want to do the channel?

2. Crossing the Channel; how did you feel the first time you set out from Dover?

3. What made you want to do the channel 44 times?

4. What do you need to do to prepare for a channel crossing?

5. You’ve also done a double AND triple crossing; these are swims that take 20 to 35 hours – that requires a huge level of mental and physical strength – take us through how you prepare for that

6. Tell us about your business and philanthrophy

7. What do you enjoy about surf life saving?

8. International swim and Australia – discuss annual schedule – Channel Queen based in UK

9. You’re an Advocate for victims of domestic violence; why did you choose this and what’s involved? I understand you’ve started The Channel Queen Foundation to educated people on the ‘red flag’ of DV – what’s that about?

10. Finally – favourite beach in the world? (apart from Bondi ;-) )

Chloe's website: https://chloemccardel.com

Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Bondi Patrol Podcast

SLSA has over 180 thousand members and over 300 affiliated Surf Life Saving clubs, this the largest volunteer movement of its kind in the world. We exist to save lives, create great Australians and build better communities.

Sadly over 300 lives were lost at Australian beaches last year– So please, swim at a patrolled beach and swim between the flags.

You can learn more at www.bondisurfclub.com