Thank you to the Southern Performance (SOPE) Club for submitting this inspiring story - celebrating a former club swimmer who is now attempting a world-first challenge in support of ADF veterans and raising funds for the Navy Clearance Diver Trust (NCDT).
đŸ”— Click here to donate to Ash’s swim and support the Navy Clearance Diver TrustÂ đŸ’™
From the familiar waters of the Noarlunga Aquatic Centre to the challenging expanse of the English Channel, Ash Semmens' journey is a testament to resilience, dedication, and the enduring spirit of community.
Ash's aquatic journey began in right here, training with one of the two clubs that eventually merged to form Southern Performance (SOPE). His early promise in the pool saw him competing at the 2003 Australian Championships, where he raced alongside swimming legend Grant Hackett in the 800-metre freestyle. However, after narrowly missing out on the 2004 Olympic trials, Ash sought a new path, leading him to enlist in the Royal Australian Navy.
As a Navy Clearance Diver, Ash undertook some of the military's most demanding roles, including underwater bomb disposal and counterterrorism operations. His service took him across the globe, with deployments to Afghanistan, where he faced life-threatening situations, including surviving an improvised explosive device (IED) attack and a sniper's bullet.
In 2022, after 18 years of service, Ash was medically discharged, grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic back pain resulting from his military experiences. Determined to find purpose beyond his service, he turned back to the water, this time with a mission that transcended personal achievement.
Ash has been preparing to swim the English Channel and will attempt this world-first swim on Friday 6th June, aiming to become the first person to complete the crossing
using a technique known as "finning" - swimming on his back with a dolphin kick, mirroring the method used by Navy Clearance Divers during surface operations . This 34-kilometre endeavour, expected to take over 15 hours in cold, challenging conditions, is not just a personal challenge but a beacon of hope and support for fellow veterans.
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"This swim is not just about me; it's about showing other veterans that with determination and support, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve great things."
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The swim aims to raise funds and awareness for the Navy Clearance Diver Trust (NCDT), a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting current and former members of the Royal Australian Navy Clearance Diving Branch and their families, particularly those affected by service-related injuries or hardships. Ash's commitment to this cause is deeply personal, reflecting his own journey of recovery and his desire to assist others facing similar challenges.
As members of the SOPE community, we take immense pride in Ash's achievements and his unwavering commitment to service, both in uniform and beyond. His journey from our local pool to the vastness of the English Channel embodies the values we hold dear: perseverance, community, and the pursuit of excellence.
