Fulfilling the Dream of Swimming the English Channel
Meet Liz Halloran, an open water swimmer from Vancouver Island who recently crossed the English Channel with her relay team, the Salish Sea Sisters.
The team completed the historic swim in 15 hours and 50 minutes, in aid of SwimTayka to support the free water safety and swimming programmes they deliver for children.
Inspired by a childhood school report on Gertrude Ederle – the first woman to swim across the English Channel – and having already tested herself in the Antarctic, Liz proves that big ambitions don’t have an expiry date.
My name is Liz Halloran, I’m 68 years young, and I’m based in Courtenay on beautiful Vancouver Island, British Columbia, on Canada’s west coast.
I’m officially retired after spending 30 years working in healthcare, but retirement doesn’t exactly describe me. I’ve also been in the travel industry since 1978 and continue to work as a travel advisor, helping people create meaningful adventures around the world.
Have you always loved swimming?
Yes – but with one important condition…it has to be in the ocean. The ocean has always been where I feel most alive, most grounded, and most myself. Put me in salt water and I’m home.
What attracted you to the activity?
For me, it’s the freedom, the power, and the unpredictability of the ocean. Every swim is different. The tides, the currents, the temperature, the wildlife – you’re never just going for a swim, you’re entering nature on its terms. That’s what keeps drawing me back.
Are you new to open water swimming?
Not at all. Open water is where I belong. Pools and I have a complicated relationship – I really don’t enjoy them – and I’m not a big fan of lakes either. I did have to make peace with the pool this past winter to stay on track with my training for the English Channel, but give me the ocean any day.
Do you teach swimming and/or run a swim school?
Yes, I’m a certified swim instructor. There’s nothing better than seeing someone discover what they’re capable of and educating adults about swimming in the ocean, cold water and year round is an additional pleasure.
What inspired you to undertake the Channel Relay challenge?
My inspiration for swimming the English Channel actually began when I was a little girl. My very first oral report in school was about Gertrude Ederle – or Trudy, as many knew her – the first woman to successfully swim the Channel in 1926.
Something about her courage, determination, and willingness to challenge what people thought women could do stayed with me all my life. At the time, I had no idea that decades later, I’d be preparing to swim those same historic waters myself.
In many ways, this journey feels like coming full circle – from a young girl standing in front of her class giving a school report, to standing on the shores of England preparing to take on one of the world’s most iconic swims.
That dream has been quietly living inside me for a very long time.
Have you undertaken any similar swims?
In 2023, I challenged myself with four swims inside the Antarctic Circle – an experience that tested me physically, mentally, and emotionally in ways I never imagined. Swimming in some of the coldest, most remote waters on earth certainly teaches you a lot about yourself. I do plan on an Arctic swim perhaps in 2027.
How have you found the training?
Training for the Channel has been intense, humbling, and incredibly rewarding. Living on Vancouver Island means most of my training happens in the ocean, dealing with whatever conditions nature decides to throw at me. This winter, however, I reluctantly had to spend time in the pool to maintain consistency – something I did purely for the goal.
Have there been any highs?
Without question, the biggest high has been my team, the Salish Sea Sisters. We’ve been together for two years, training, supporting one another, and working towards this shared dream. The friendships, the laughter, the encouragement, and knowing you’re never doing this alone – that’s been the greatest gift of this journey.
Any lows?
Like any big goal, there have been tough days – cold mornings, rough conditions, fatigue, self-doubt, and the balancing act of life and training. But sometimes the lows are what make the highs so powerful.
What advice would you give others thinking of signing up for the relay?
Say yes – even if it scares you.
You don’t have to be the fastest. You don’t have to be the youngest. You don’t have to have all the answers. You just have to be willing to show up, do the work, trust your team, and believe that you’re capable of more than you think.
At 68, I hope this journey shows others – especially women – that adventure doesn’t come with an expiry date.
This swim is for my Mom, who is gone and for my husband who continues to be one of my biggest champions, for my team, and for every person who has ever wondered if they’re “too old” or “too late” “too heavy”, “too slow”, “not enough……” to chase a dream.
You’re not.
Sometimes your greatest adventure is still waiting for you.
Inspired by Liz’s story? Whether you’re ready to join an English Channel relay team or simply want to find out more, the SwimTayka team would love to hear from you.
Main – image supplied by SwimTayka
About the Author: SwimTayka
