Sarah Thomas - Ultra Marathon Swimmer - Breast cancer Survivor and the first person to complete a four-way crossing of the English Channel in 54 hours and 10 minutes.

Sarah Thomas, aged 41, is an ultra-marathon swimmer who achieved the current world record for the longest continuous swim in current-neutral conditions, performed without assistance or a wetsuit. This record-breaking feat spanned 104.6 miles over the course of 67 hours and took place in Lake Champlain, USA, in August 2017. Shortly after this remarkable swim, Sarah faced an aggressive form of breast cancer diagnosis at the young age of 35. During her cancer treatment, which included chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy, Sarah remained unwavering in her pursuit of an extraordinary swim that many considered impossible. One year post-cancer treatment, Sarah made history by becoming the first person to complete a four-way crossing of the English Channel, accomplishing this incredible feat in a remarkable 54 hours and 10 minutes. More recently, Sarah achieved another groundbreaking milestone, becoming the first individual in history to conquer a two-way crossing of the North Channel, enduring 21 hours and 46 minutes in frigid waters inhabited by enormous jellyfish. *** The Tough Girl Podcast is being sponsored throughout January by ZOLEO. #ChallengeWithZOLEO ZOLEO connects with your phone to provide seamless global messaging that follows you in and out of mobile network coverage — plus added safety features you can count on worldwide including industry-leading SOS alerting features. 24/7 monitoring and 24/7 access to non-emergency medical advice, check-in and weather forecasts. ZOLEO offers unmatched peace of mind for you and for everyone waiting at home. Stay connected and safe while doing what you love. Hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of tough women. New episodes LIVE every Tuesday and Thursday at 7am UK time. Show notes: Who is SarahHer story of becoming a long-distance open-water swimmerEarly memories of comfort and joy in the waterBegging her dad to sign her up for the swim teamGetting introduced to open-water swimming by a friend and found her passion in itSwimming through high school and in college for the University of ConnecticutTrying out other sports after collegeGrowing up in Texas where swimming is super competitiveHow she transitioned to open-water swimming after collegeHow she returned to swimming after a 2-year hiatusDiscovering her passion for open-water swimming in 2007Signing up for Catalina Channel in 2010Training for the English Channel by swimming around Manhattan in 2011 and booking a slot for 2012Struggles with cold water and building up toleranceRefusing to take cold showers, and values warm showers as a luxuryPoor weather and not wanting to swim the English ChannelReturning to England with a reformed crew enjoying a beautiful, sunny swim across the channelFalling out of love with swimmingSetting her sights on longer swims, including a 42-mile swim across Lake TahoeSwimming for 24 hours and the challenge of mentally preparing for such a long distanceHaving her husband next to her helps her prepare for each swimming sessionSarah's experience of swimming 104.6 miles in Lake ChamplainReflecting on her childhood and meeting her potentialFeeling on top of the world after completing an incredible swimHaving digestive issues during long swims and eating liquid-based nutritionSwimming and craving for giant cheeseburgersFinding a lump in her breast and being diagnosed with breast cancerHer treatment and how it would impact her ability to swimFinding solace in swimming during chemotherapySarah and her doctor working together to find solutionsWhat makes her uncomfortable after a mastectomyBeing glad for keeping her left side intactSwimming the English Channel in 2019 after completing an 80-mile swim in Lake Powell in 2016The difficulty of her swims, particularly in the English ChannelStruggles with nausea and vomiting, seasickness and mental exhaustion during her swimsBattling a strong current caused hours of delay in the swim, causing mental and physical exhaustionHer desire to complete the Oceans Seven ChallengeHaving two remaining swims in the Oceans Seven ChallengeSwimming the Strait of Gibraltar and the Tsugaru StraitWhy the swimming organization in Japan stopped accepting swimmersFinal words of advice Social Media Website: sarahthomasswims.com Instagram: @SarahSwims04 Twitter: @SarahSwims04 Facebook: @SarahThomasMarathonSwimmer