Almost a year ago, Debbie Smeda, a primary school teacher at Curro Salt Rock, stepped out of her comfort zone. In doing so, she found herself fostering incredible friendships and changing her approach to life.
In September last year, Debbie embarked on a journey that has since transformed her life in ways she never imagined possible. Her colleague, Annedine Lugg, had the idea to take a group of swimmers to the Midmar Mile for the school’s 10th anniversary. Their principal Joe Erasmus set a challenge to the school to find 50 swimmers. Annedine rallied teachers, parents, and students and, despite her lack of swimming experience, Debbie decided to join in. “I struggled to swim 50 metres on my first day of training,” she laughs.
ACCEPTING A CHALLENGE
Annedine and Debbie, along with teachers Melanie Thiart and Ingrid Hoffman, started a rigorous training regimen. Despite self-doubt, nerves and the challenge of swimming in front of colleagues, they persevered, with Debbie finishing her first swim at Midmar in 46 minutes. The camaraderie and mutual support they found propelled them forward and after completing the Midmar Mile, Debbie and her colleagues decided to continue with their new-found passion. They entered the Ocean’s 8 challenge, a charity-driven event. The goal was to swim 4 miles in the ocean over two days, raising R3000 each. With no formal training, they dedicated themselves to preparation, bonding over their shared goal along the way.
THE FAMOUS FIVE
Debbie, Annedine, Melanie, Ingrid, and later Meagan Smith, who joined from the sports department, became inseparable and have since been dubbed The Famous Five at school. The women formed an unlikely yet tight-knit team. “We became friends who could rely on each other, sharing not just swims but life’s highs and lows,” Debbie reflects.
HEALTHIER AND HAPPIER
The journey was transformative. Debbie’s family became involved, with early morning ocean swims becoming a weekend ritual. Her children, aged four and nine, witnessed the dedication, while her husband and parents cheer from the sidelines. The newfound hobby has brought the family closer and more active, inspiring even her husband to take up surfing. But it was more than a physical challenge. For Debbie, it was a personal renaissance. “Before this, I never did anything for myself. I lost who I was,” she shares. “Swimming brought back my passion and courage. I also had to become comfortable with my body and the idea of being out there, in front of people, wearing a costume.”
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
The group’s journey didn’t end with Ocean’s 8. Debbie’s next goal is to swim eight miles for the Pink Drive at Midmar in February, and eventually from Robben Island to Blouberg in May next year. She continues training, now with the guidance of her coach Charl Crous. Through this experience, Debbie has realised the power of finding one’s tribe and pursuing personal goals, as well as the importance of self-care and the profound impact of stepping out of one’s comfort zone. “It’s been life-changing,” she admits. “Since I started open water swimming in the sea, I’ve seen so many beautiful sunrises. In 42 years, I don’t know why I never got up to see the sunrise!”
INSPIRING OTHERS
Her journey has inspired others, including colleagues who have started their own fitness journeys. For Debbie, it’s about more than swimming; it’s about growth, resilience, and the community built along the way. “I’m a better person for starting this journey,” she says. “It doesn’t matter what age or where you start your journey – you’ve just got to try.”
Support the PinkDrive, donations can be made here.
Text: Jennifer Campbell Photograph: Gabrielle Swanepoel
