Justin Smith

– Why do you want to participate in One Water Race?

I grew up as a swimmer and went on to swim in college. I identified with the simplicity and relaxed feel of being in the water. It has been a few years since I have trained seriously in a pool and I am looking forward to getting back in. Swimming is one of the purest forms of being fully present and I am stoked to take on the open water in one of the most beautiful places on the globe.

– Have you taken a similar challenge before?

As far as ultra-swimming goes, I haven’t done anything more than a couple hours. I have done my fair-share of long-distance (5 days to 6 months) endurance feats of cycling, hiking, kayaking and adventure racing but this will be like nothing I have experienced.

– What are your strengths?

Eating lots of waffles, big hugs, and maintaining a positive outlook while finding a way to continue to grind.

– What are your weaknesses?

My fingers get extremely cold, I get frustrated when I can’t use them, and then I swear I am not going to spend time in cold water ever again. Furthermore, thinking clearly after no sleep and having my chin chafe my shoulder while breathing.

– What will be your biggest challenge?

Hopefully it won’t be sipping too much salty water. I am going to guess that the biggest challenge will be keeping warm and remaining mentally tough when a navigational error occurs.

– Have you been to the Stockholm archipelago?

I did spend a week in Stockholm in 2015 before heading up to Northern Norway and kayaking in the fjords for a month, but I certainly did get to the see the beauty of the archipelago.

– What do you know/think about the terrain?

I think that after paddling during the Ecochallenge in Fiji, we are bound to get pretty turned around navigating. I am excited for the extra daylight and to tromp through some terrain that doesn’t get much human traffic. I imagine I am going to feel every kilometer of this journey.

– What are you most looking forward to?

I am most looking forward to the opportunity to race with world-class competitors, in a one-of-a-kind backdrop and challenge myself and our team on a whole new level. I am elated to be racing for something much bigger that myself and my team, and excited to learn more about my body and endurance through the biometric sensors.