Dani's journey from YMCA to World Record Holder

From Poolside to Podium

At YMCA Fylde Coast, we’re proud to support inspiring individuals who push boundaries, break records, and build community. One of those people is Dani, a regular swimmer at YMCA St Annes Pool, who has transformed her love of swimming into a remarkable journey of endurance, resilience, and world-class achievement.

Dani’s swimming story began at age 10, becoming a national age group finalist between the age of 14-16 years. Her passion for the sport stayed strong through university, where she represented top institutions like Loughborough and the University of Bath. Even after a shoulder injury and two operations, her connection to the water never left her.

After moving to St Annes in 2007 and taking time away from swimming to focus on family and work, Dani returned to the pool when her child turned four. What started as casual swims quickly turned into something more when a friend encouraged her to try SwimFit at YMCA St Annes in 2019.

“I never looked back. It rebuilt my strength and helped me fall back in love with swimming in a whole new way.”

Dani's journey from YMCA to World Record Holder

A Record-Breaking Open Water Swimmer

From her return to the pool, Dani quickly moved into open water challenges, building up both her distance and confidence. In just a few years, she’s completed:

• Great North Swim (5km)
• Loch Lomond (5km) – and won it!
• End-to-end swims of Coniston (8.5km) & Ullswater (12.1km)
• Windermere 1-way (16.5km), 2-way (33km), and 3-way (50km)

In 2024, she made history as the first person to be certified to swim a 3-way Windermere (in a wetsuit) in 13 hours and 26 minutes. As preparation for that swim, she took on the Lake Zurich swim (26km), finishing in 6 hours 53 minutes and setting a new course record.

Training, Balance & the YMCA Community

Dani trains exclusively at YMCA St Annes and St Annes Pool, swimming 40- 50km every week, lifting weights with trainer Joe, and attending yoga classes for flexibility and recovery. But it’s not just the facilities that fuel her success — it’s the people.

“The YMCA is such a supportive community. The staff are friendly and genuinely interested in what you’re doing. SwimFit helped me push further than I thought was possible.”

She describes the YMCA as “community” in one word — a place that empowers people to keep going, stay connected, and find joy in movement.

Words of Advice

When asked what she’d tell someone thinking of taking their first dip, her advice is simple and powerful:

“Take the plunge and throw yourself in at the deep end. If you don’t start, you’ll never know what you’re capable of.”

Dani credits swimming with improving her mental wellbeing, helping her stay grounded and resilient through life’s challenges.

What’s Next for Dani?

Dani’s next goal is nothing short of epic: a 24-hour swim across Lake Geneva, from Chillon to Geneva, planned for September 2025. It’s a daunting distance, but with her community, her training, and her mindset, she’s more than ready to take it on.

“Now I just want to see how far I can go.”

Thank You, Dani

We’re so proud to have Dani as part of our YMCA family. She embodies everything we believe in — determination, community, and the courage to chase big goals. Her journey is proof that it’s never too late to rediscover your strength.

Stay tuned to follow Dani’s progress as she takes on a monumental challenge this September. If her story has inspired you, why not dive into your own swimming journey with us at the YMCA?