Andy Donaldson: Ultramarathon Swimming, Purpose & 4 Minutes From a World Record | Ep. 282

Andy Donaldson: Ultramarathon Swimming, Purpose & 4 Minutes From a World Record | Ep. 282

Author: Social Kick January 26, 2026 Duration: 1:14:33
What does it take to keep going when you’ve already given everything you have? In this episode of Social Kick, we sit down with Andy Donaldson — ultramarathon swimmer, world-record holder, fastest man to swim around Manhattan Island, and the first male swimmer to complete the Ocean’s Seven in a single calendar year. Andy shares the realities behind the swims most people only see in photos: long hours in dark water, brutal conditions, sickness, fear, and the moments where progress feels impossible. He opens up about a swim that nearly ended in defeat — before turning into one of the most meaningful experiences of his life, finishing just four minutes outside a world record on the rocks of Scotland. This conversation goes beyond times and results. It’s about: Defining your “why” when things start to unravel Learning that you don’t have to do it alone The shift from chasing personal achievement to creating purpose Using swimming as a platform to inspire others and elevate communities From swimming around Manhattan to a groundbreaking relay around Bahrain, Andy reflects on how his motivation has evolved — and why impact now matters more than records. Sometimes the finish time isn’t the point.Sometimes the real win is what the journey reveals. 🎙 Social Kick Podcast

Dive into the water without getting your ears wet. Social Kick • Swim Culture & Stories is a space where the rhythm of the pool and the open water sets the pace for every conversation. Created by the community at Social Kick, this podcast moves beyond lap times and technique to explore the unique world that swimmers inhabit. Each episode features genuine discussions with people whose lives are deeply intertwined with swimming-from dedicated competitors and coaches to artists, scientists, and everyday enthusiasts who find their clarity in the water. You’ll hear personal stories of triumph and challenge, unexpected insights into how swimming shapes identity and community, and casual reflections on the quiet humor and profound peace found in a daily routine. It’s an authentic listen that captures the shared language and unspoken bonds of swim culture, offering a sense of connection for anyone who has ever felt most themselves while gliding through a lane or gazing at a horizon line from the beach. Tune in for a regular dose of perspective, camaraderie, and the simple, fun reminder of why we return to the water, again and again.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Social Kick • Swim Culture & Stories
Podcast Episodes
He Ripped 3 Tech Suits Before His Olympic Semifinal (Absolute Chaos) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:41
🛒 Elsmore Swim Shop — ElsmoreSwim.com | Code SOCIALKICK for 20% off 👕 Tall Slim Tees — TallSlimTees.com | Code SOCIALKICK for 20% off Support the Podcast: https://socialkickswim.com/shop Chris Guiliano returns to Social…
How a PanPac Champion Bounced Back From a Concussion to Win Nationals [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:02
🛒 Elsmore Swim Shop — ElsmoreSwim.com | Code SOCIALKICK for 20% off 👕 Tall Slim Tees — TallSlimTees.com | Code SOCIALKICK for 20% off Support the Podcast: https://socialkickswim.com/shop PanPac champion McKenzie Siroky j…
Rowan Cox: Breaking NAG Records & Training at Texas | Episode 312 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:21
Episode 312 of The Social Kick Podcast features rising swimming sensation Rowan Cox! Fresh off an incredible performance at US Nationals where he dropped two seconds in the 100 fly to clock a blistering 50.6—finishing th…
Chad le Clos’s Epic Swimming Career | Social Kick Ep. 311 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:36
Episode 311 of The Social Kick Podcast features swimming icon and legend Chad le Clos. Fresh off an incredible performance at the Commonwealth Games—where he made history by becoming the most decorated athlete in the gam…