Sweden is one of the few places in the world where water, wind, and waves have a dynamic relationship across a vast array of weather systems. Things were looking very promising a few weeks out from the race, with warmer weather reported on the course. Team AUS/CAN were keen to experience the heat of Sweden. However, a few days prior to the start of the race, a strong weather system shifted the conditions from a heat-lover’s paradise to a more typical, steady Swedish autumn.
This year, with the inclusion of two new members — Murray and Dave (Sloshie) — the new-look team was keen to make it to Landsort. With Brock unable to join in person this year, his support was unwavering throughout the preparations. Marcus was eager to help and provide valuable insight into the Swedish archipelago for the newcomers. Brock’s supporting role also included assigning helpful “job roles’’ such as Nav Man Mitch, Dolfin Hils, Torpedo Muz, and Rock Solid Sloshie. The packing of caffeine, glucose, and a jet boiler (for Sloshie’s personal use) enabled a simple plan: Sloshie gives nutrition (sugar in various forms) to Hils, who makes sure Mitch and Muz eat constantly. Remember Brock’s roles, and all should be good. Things were gearing up for a great race.
After a long-awaited start on Tuesday morning, the excitement carried us out of Arholma as we settled into a rhythm and planned to wait for day two before pushing into a few strong days of racing.
With a solid start that created a traffic jam at checkpoints 1 and 2, the team was feeling good and in a strong position. The next few hours flew by as the rhythm of day one began to settle. With nutrition sorted at the end of stage 1, Team 1 AUS was right with us and eager to move ahead. Mitch recognised the importance of steady racing, just like in previous years, and was happy to chip away at the course as the team did last year. Stage 2 required significantly more swimming — something the team was well aware of. However, as Murray began developing a cough, the team made several technical decisions to prioritise everyone’s health, opting to leave 5A behind and take the alternative route to 5B with less swimming.
Fortunately, the team’s swimming depth meant that Dolfin Hils could lead Nav Man Mitch while Muz took a breather at the back.
After exhausting all known to the teams problems: low food intake, dehydration, rest, and reduced work intensity — things were still not improving for the ever-growing cough. After a few minutes of rest just before CP6, Muz was keen to soldier on, but Hils’ motherly instincts kicked in, pushing safety over continuing. The wisdom of Sloshie and Mitch suggested similar care was needed. When the medics arrived, they affirmed the decision to stop.
After the ordeal, it was clear that Hillary’s instincts had been the right call, and the Swedish medical staff were supportive and attentive in ensuring the whole team was well taken care of. We would like to thank the race organisers, the Swedish medical team, and the race volunteers for their support during this time. Although the race did not unfold as anticipated, we are grateful to be reminded that there is more to life than a race.
Fortunately, not all was lost — while Murray enjoyed the luxuries of Swedish hospitals, Sloshie, Mitch, and Hillary explored the wonders of Sweden.
