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

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/social-kick-swim-culture-stories-462617/andy-donaldson-ultramarathon-swimming-purpose-4-minutes-from-a-world-record-ep-282
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/social-kick-swim-culture-stories-462617/andy-donaldson-ultramarathon-swimming-purpose-4-minutes-from-a-world-record-ep-282.md
Podcast: [Social Kick • Swim Culture & Stories](https://stenobird.com/podcast/social-kick-swim-culture-stories-462617)
Published: 2026-01-25T23:52:32+00:00
Episode link: https://thesocialkick.podbean.com/e/andy-donaldson-ultramarathon-swimming-purpose-4-minutes-from-a-world-record-ep-282/
Audio file: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/juwtg8hnj9s3jbxv/E282_Andy_Donaldson.mp3
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Duration seconds: 4473

## Resource

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

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