Andy Hewitt

– Race experience

Beyond having participated in many swimrun events and other long-distance endurance activities, my relevant experience as support crew relies most notably on my military service. I was an infantry officer in the U.S. Marine Corps for 28 years, leading forces throughout the world in eight different wars. Land navigation, orienteering, logistics support, mission planning, and personnel engagement were mainstays of my career. Additionally, I spent eight years after military service as the race director and managing partner of California Swimrun, developing and hosting swimrun events.

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

The racers on our team are outstanding athletes that I have had the privilege of racing with and against in swimrun over the past ten years. I am most excited to be able to support their physical efforts with my logistics and race management background. The One Water Race will be difficult on many levels and I have always sought out challenges in life. While I would welcome the opportunity to compete as an athlete, my age and speed would not be ideally competitive for the event. In a support role, I can remain close to the race and provide a competitive advantage to the team.

– Have you taken a similar challenge before?

While preparing for my solo swim crossing of the English Channel, the effort included months of physical training in cold water and at night. Designing and adjusting nutrition, lubrication, and strategies for handling discomfort and injuries were all part of the preparation. When I arrived in England five days before my scheduled swim, deteriorating weather forced me to begin immediately. I started at midnight in less-than-ideal conditions. Twelve hours into the swim, I appeared on track for a 13-hour finish. However, avoiding a disabled barge caused me to miss the tide sequence, adding six extra hours to the crossing. I relied on my preparation, confidence, and resilience to complete the swim successfully.

– What are your strengths?

I am patient and resilient. While in the military, these qualities saved lives in training and combat. I have a high tolerance for discomfort and adverse weather. I thrive in cold water—to the point that I have been nicknamed “The Polar Bear.” I excel at solving complex physical problems on the fly and under pressure. I am also kind, generous, and see the best in people.

– What are your weaknesses?

As support crew, I have the disadvantage of not living in Sweden. Although I have travelled to Sweden more than 30 times and trained extensively on the ÖtillÖ World Championship course, the OWR course requires significant technical preparation. I am also much older than the competitors. While I believe I understand younger athletes well, there is naturally some disconnect, and I will need to rely on patience and experience to bridge that gap.

– What would be your biggest challenges in this race?

Despite a lifetime of managing logistics and supporting large operations, the logistics, timing, navigation, and route planning of One Water Race will be my biggest challenge. The unknown destination component is both one of the race’s greatest attractions and one of its most difficult aspects.

– Have you been to the Stockholm archipelago and what do you know/think about the terrain?

Yes. I have spent many outstanding days and nights in the Stockholm archipelago. Racing in nature, dealing with unpredictable weather, and experiencing the pristine islands make One Water Race ideally situated. The rugged and natural state of the archipelago is relentless, unforgiving, and unapologetic.

– What are you most looking forward to, if you would participate in One Water Race?

I have no doubt that supporting our athletes in One Water Race will bring me even closer to the beauty and wonder of Sweden. Most of all, I look forward to witnessing our racers meet and exceed their personal goals and challenges with humility, respect, and enthusiasm.