Gavin Maitland Interview: Odyssey Swimmer, “Swimming Through Adversity” Author

“Get in the pool. Get in the sea. Swim, swim, swim. Even if you have never swum before. Start swimming.” -- Gavin Maitland

Gavin Maitland is an experienced swimmer, open water swimming advocate, and the author of Swimming Through Adversity: Surviving A Lung Transplant. After developing severe breathing issues, Gavin learned that the only way he could survive was to receive a lung transplant. Not only has Gavin adapted to life after receiving a new lung, he has continued to swim around the world in some of the most challenging swims available. 

Gavin once completed the 6.2-mile Odyssey Open Water Swimming Bridge to Bridge swim. He wrote about his experience overcoming health issues and traveling around the world to swim in Swimming Through Adversity. The cover features Gavin standing at the edge of a dock in a yellow Odyssey Open Water Swimming swim cap, and he also mentions Odyssey and founder Warren Wallace. 

We reached out to Gavin to ask him about the book, his experience with Odyssey, and his advice for others facing health challenges. Here is the transcript from our interview with Gavin Maitland: 

Question: What first got you into open water swimming? 

Gavin Maitland: I swam often in the North Sea off Scotland when I was a teenager. As I got older, it seemed (to be) a great way to recapture that sense of freedom and fun.

Question: What was the inspiration for your book (Swimming Through Adversity)? 

GM: No question: my two children, Zander and Riley. My total inspiration.

Question: What first led you to Odyssey Open Water Swimming? 

GM: I found them online. The founder’s name, Wallace, is the same as the historic hero of Scotland, William Wallace, so I felt it was good match! Plus, there were so many photos of smiling swimmers on the website – I wanted to join in the fun.

Question: How would you describe your experience? 

GM: One of the most fabulous, amazing, awe-inspiring experiences of my life. No exaggeration.

Question: Would you recommend Odyssey to others, and why? 

GM: Yes, in a heartbeat. They are professional, competent, organized. We had a great experience.

Question: What does being able to swim mean to you? 

GM: Swimming means water, breath and life. It has been pointed out to me that it is ironic that I swim, given that swimming is one of the few sports where you voluntarily restrict your own breathing by being in the water. Not lost on me, a lung-transplant recipient.

Question: What will someone take away from the book? 

GM: I hope that it can give hope to someone who is in a tough place health wise. Things always seem better if you can immerse yourself in some water, somewhere.

Question: What's your advice to someone facing adversity in their life -- what would you tell them?  

GM: Easy one. Get in the pool. Get in the sea. Swim, swim, swim. Even if you have never swum before. Start swimming.

Learn more about Swimming Through Adversity or purchase Gavin Maitland’s book here on Amazon.