Rediscovery of the Ordinary

A partially disabled Cape Town man, Shaun Diamond, has urged local swimmers to follow their dreams and conquer their goals, after completing the iconic crossing in a chilly 13.5 degrees and a time of 3hr40.

Six years ago, if you went to Clifton Fourth, you might have noticed a lone figure sat on the rocks, watching a mate power through that icy water, little dreaming that one day that would be him. Shaun Diamond (49) was an experienced athlete, but he had zero experience of the cold whims and vagaries of the Atlantic ocean.

Then he met triathlete and swim coach Britt Hyland, and his horizons suddenly grew a little broader. He started pool training with Britt, attempting the odd open water sea swim in preparation for the Ironman 70.3 in Durban in 2017.

Then, out of the blue, in May 2019, Shaun developed a rare illness. While at hospital for a routine back operation for a bulging disk, he contracted Cauda Equina Syndrome, a rare condition that occurs due to rapid spinal compression from a ruptured disk. This resulted in him losing all feeling from his waist down. He was admitted to a Spinal Rehab Unit for several weeks, undergoing intense physiotherapy and rehab treatment, including learning to walk again. Some sensation returned and he slowly manage to walk again with crutches. His doctors do not anticipate a full recovery, but Shaun says he is extremely grateful for the outcome so far.

Shaun says he needed a challenge in his life. “Not being able to do triathlon anymore, swimming was my only option. I loved open water before, and I knew it was something I could conquer. Britt took me under her wing and my journey to Robben Island began. From swimming in her heated pool at home, to being re-introduced to the cold water at Clifton, Oude Kraal and Big Bay, so the training commenced, with the island always in sight as a reminder of the goal ahead.”

CLDSA chairwoman Kerry Kopke says Shaun’s swim is just as inspiring as any more celebrated record-breaking swims. “The most critical component to a successful crossing is to first have the mental tenacity and grit, and the body will follow!”

Splash Swimming School Coach Cara Lee agrees. “If any athlete at any stage, lets self-doubt enter their mind, that can set you back, and this is where Shaun shone. He’d arrive some days very tired, but he’d finish his training. Most clients would have let one setback give them an excuse to give in, but not Shaun. He’d always push and soldier on.”

Shaun says the hardest part of his swim came about 2km off Big Bay, when he had to dig deep and push through aching arms and a strong current. “I thought about my mom, who passed away recently from cancer, and her fight, which to me was a much greater challenge.”

And, finally, any message to Joe Public? “Never underestimate your potential. Follow your heart and surround yourself with people with similar interests. I have met and made amazing friends and loved every minute.”

Contact Britt Hyland on [email protected], and Cara Lee on [email protected]