Betsy Ryan Shows Incredible Courage Ahead Of Ocean Swim

Papanui resident Betsy Ryan is your typical Sovereign NZ Ocean Swim Series entrant in that she has her own story and her own motivation for swimming. Where she does differ however, is that her story is surely unique.
 

You see, this Los Angeles native was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis 7 years ago but has somehow found the time when not looking after Lucy (21 months) and Maggie (6 months) to overcome considerable fears and concerns to get in the pool and train for the Corsair Classic this Saturday, round three in the Sovereign NZ Ocean Swim Series.

When 32 year old Ryan was first diagnosed with MS she admits her world stopped spinning when she heard the news.

“I thought life as I knew it was over. I was worried I might not be able to do anything so yes, it was a huge shock.”

But inspired in part by her Husband Nick’s Uncle (Sam) and Cousin (Nick), Betsy decided in the New Year to try swimming as a physical and mental therapy, with the aim being to get stronger in order to cope with any further relapses.

Once overcoming her initial fears, Betsy says swimming has worked wonders.

“When I first headed down to the pool it was so hard, I felt so awkward and wasn’t sure initially if I could do it. But after much hard work and concentration it feels so natural now.

“The benefits are not only physical in terms of strength but mental as well. Swimming is ideal for me, my body is letting me do it and it keeps me as fit as possible without overheating, which is important. While I am physically capable of swimming I will swim for as long as I can.”

Event sponsor Sovereign also takes great delight in the great stories behind each entrant, in particular stories like Betsy Ryan. Richard Allen, Marketing Communications Manager for Sovereign explains.

“Our objectives in the series are to have New Zealanders improve their lifestyles through better health and fitness. Kiwis love the outdoors and sport and it is a country that loves a challenge. Sovereign shares these values and through our partnership in the Sovereign Swim Series and events such as the Corsair Classic we can make a very real impact on thousands of lives.

”This is not restricted to those swimming. For each entrant there is a family, a wider circle of friends and business colleagues that will be touched by the efforts of the individual swimming. It is our hope that the swimmers in their own way become ‘ambassadors’ in their communities and inspire others through their actions.

“Betsy Ryan is truly inspirational for what she is doing. What a wonderful example to her own young children, her family and everyone who reads her story.”

But swimming in the QEII Pool with lane ropes and the bottom not far away is one thing, what about an ocean swim on Saturday in amongst hundreds of others?

“I am very nervous, in particular about swimming in a wetsuit. If I can avoid it I will but if it is too cold I will wear one. For me this is about finishing, I think I can finish but it will be slow. I don’t care about my time or placing, for me this is about finishing, nothing more.”

(Uncle) Sam and (Cousin) Nick will be there too, offering advice and an encouraging word or two as they both swim as well. Betsy says each has their own plan but figures they might end up alongside each other at some point.

“Sam and Nick have been great, offering good advice and some coaching tips. They too are doing the swim for fun and have been good training partners. I think we might end up somewhere near each other on the day but we have no plans to stay together from start to finish.”

That support and the assistance from home and on event day from Husband Nick who looks after Lucy and Maggie during the odd training swim will surely see Betsy indeed make it to the finish ‘in her own time’.

And when she does, this Spanish teacher from Papanui is sure to inspire not only those around her on the day and those that read of her achievements, but each and every one of her pupils at Selwyn House School, from where she is currently on maternity leave.

Sovereign Corsair Classic
Saturday 21st February 2009
Corsair Bay
Christchurch
For further information visit www.oceanswim.co.nz