Interview with Tracy Jannasch on her Robben Island Crossing as a Visually Impaired Swimmer.

Recently Tracy Jannasch completed her Robben Island Crossing, as a visually impaired swimmer, her crossing required an unprecedented level of tenacity and bravery. As a young child she had a bad reaction to medication, which left her blind in one eye and with limited vision in the other eye. In the last few years Tracy discovered Open Water Swimming and with her support team of swim friends, decided that she would complete a Robben Island Crossing. Tracy, we salute you on your swim, so very well done on this achievement.

⁠Tell us about your swim:
My Robben Island Crossing was one of the most blessed, challenging and exhilarating experiences of my life. One of the many highlights was that I swam with my 2 precious friends (Lourentia & Salome) who were part of the beginning of my swimming journey. For the last stretch we were joined by Liza (our observer), Candice, Laetitia and Suzy … Now called Oceans 7! Finishing the swim as part of this group of friends signifies the true meaning of comaradie.
A definite hightlight was my feet touching the sand which at that stage I didn’t think I was ever going to feel again 😊. And there waiting for me, was my hubby Philip, my mom and dad and so many special friends.

Tell us about your swimming journey so far:
I have always loved the water, especially the ocean. As children, we spent many holidays in Fish Hoek where swimming far into the sea without a care in the world, was one of our favourite pass times … that was before we were aware of sharks of course 😊
Approximately 2 years ago, Lourentia and I were chatting after church and she said that she’s off to go swimming at Ons Huisie. I was invited to join the next week and that started me off on this amazing open water swimming journey.
During some of these Sunday afternoon swims (always celebrated with “hoes medisyne” and cuppacinos at Illies), we met swimmers from various groups such as Moxy and Topaz. We were chatting to John one day and he asked us where we were from. Lourentia said Brackenfell and that is how the 3 of us became The Brackenfell Bokkies! John referred to us as “his Brackenfell Bokkies”, which was so special.
Because of a visual impairment, my direction in the ocean is not always on par 😊. Sticking by my side, has just never been an issue for these friends. Even if it means coming last in an event. It’s just never been about coming first, but rather sharing the experience together.
I absolutely love the beauty of the ocean, freedom it offers and of course the wonderful people you meet along the way. No matter your size or shape, status in life, all are equal and welcome in the ocean!

What did a typical week of training look like for you in the build up to your swim?
2 to 3 mornings of pool swimming (between 2 – 2.5km)
Open water swim on a Sunday after church and / or an event swim
Some times an ocean swim during the week

How did you train your mind for such a big challenge?
Our minds are so powerful! Self-talk while swimming is very important. The big challenge needs to be broken down into smaller bits.

What was a setback to your training that you had to overcome?
At times, physical challenges played a role. Most of my training in the pool was done alone, which sometimes caused a lack of motivation and accountability. But, keeping the goal set firmly in place, keeps one moving.

What was the biggest challenge during your crossing and how did you overcome it?
My mind – I had mentally prepared myself for approximately 4.5 hours swim (based on pool swimming times), but soon realised that a “long” swim in a pool is vastly different from the ocean. When we got to about the 5km mark and our awesome skipper Greg said there’s another 3.5 left, my mind had to do a quick reset. Besides positive thinking, I kept my mind busy with prayers for people according to the alphabet … some letters did get prayed for more than once when my focus drifted …
Vision – the long hours in the salt water and the goggles, caused my eyes to swell (not just mine). This together with the goggles fogging up, did cause for very limited vision during the swim. Liza (our observer and friend), and Greg with his bright neon yellow jacket on, helped me to to stick close to the boat and keep direction. When Greg had to leave us behind the breakers, I was able to follow Salome’s “turkey call” until Candice arrived with a pink buoy I could follow out. A true team effort!!
Physical pain – about 2kms from the end, I started experiencing severe pain in my one shoulder and knee. I think my technique took a beating under pressure. But, nothing much you can do about this at that stage … so just press on!!!
Keeping my mind focussed on my Heavenly Father was key in getting me to the end!

How did you choose this swim?
When I started open water swimming the Crossing was not something I even considered. But, as more and more people around me tackled this adventure, I thought … well, why not me too 😊

What did you learn from your swim?
I can do anything I set my mind too. Once again as so many times before in my life, I experienced the meaning of true friendship, support and what it means when people truly believe in you.

What would you say to other swimmers wanting to do a huge swim?
It is essential to believe that you can do it, no matter what obstacles you face in life, in training and during the swim. Surround yourself with positive people and know where your strength comes from. And then the obvious thing is to spend as much time as possible in the ocean!! If you feel your technique needs some tweaking, invest in a good coach.