After three attempts to swim across the English Channel with three incredible six-person relay teams, I’m now taking on a new challenge; one that’s just as demanding, but a little closer to home.

I'm heading to the open waters off Southern California to take on the Catalina Channel Crossing; a 21-mile swim from Catalina Island to the California mainland. It's one of "Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming," alongside the English Channel and Manhattan Island circumnavigation.

Our six-person relay team will begin the crossing in the dead of night, navigating cold water, strong currents, complete darkness and even the occasional visit from marine life. It’s a true test of endurance, teamwork, and courage.

But this isn’t just about the swim.

I'm also raising awareness and support for SwimTayka, an organization dedicated to saving lives by providing free swimming lessons, drowning prevention education and clean water programs to children in underserved communities around the world.

Drowning is a global crisis, taking an estimated 360,000 lives each year, many of them children. That’s nearly 40 deaths every hour. SwimTayka’s work gives children the tools they need to stay safe around water and empowers them with confidence and life-saving skills.

This challenge is deeply personal to me, and I’d love for you to join me on this journey; with your encouragement and support, we can help bring swimming education to children who need it most.

Together, we can make waves in the ocean and in the lives of children around the world. Thank you for being part of this adventure.