Kristen Kearns is a parent in our Salesian College Chadstone community. In 2024, Kristen challenged herself to swim the English Channel.
What inspired you to take on the challenge of swimming the English Channel?
I was inspired by a personal desire to push my limits and try something extraordinary. The Channel is a legendary challenge, and I wanted to show my children, and myself, that with commitment, ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things.
What did your training and preparation look like while balancing family life?
Training was intense and required swimming in cold water for long periods, often early mornings or late evenings to fit around family routines. Balancing this with family life meant careful planning, support from my loved ones, and making the most of every moment together.
Were there any values from Salesian College that helped you during the swim?
Absolutely. Values like dynamism, integrity, and joy, central to Salesian College, were vital. The school’s spirit of striving for excellence and fostering a caring, supportive community mirrored the teamwork and resilience I needed during my swim.
Headspace helped my family rebuild respect – a core Salesian value that was lacking in our family at the time. Through their counselling and mediation, we learned to listen and value each other again. I’m proud to have raised $10,000 for Headspace to support other families facing similar struggles.
What was it like for your children and family to watch you take on such an epic challenge?
It was emotional for all of us. My family was my support crew, cheering me all the way. It was a powerful moment for my children to see perseverance in action, and I hope it showed them the value of courage and hard work.
What were the toughest moments during the swim, and how did you push through them?
The toughest moments were the first 90 minutes, battling self-doubt while swimming in dark, cold water. An overly friendly seal followed me, and my legs cramped painfully, making me wonder how I’d get through the 12–14 hour crossing. I pushed through by focusing on small goals, drawing strength from my family’s support, and remembering the words of Captain Matthew Webb – the first person to swim the English Channel – who said, “Nothing great is easy.”
How do you hope your experience might inspire students at the school?
I hope students see that big goals are achievable with persistence and support. Whether in sport, study, or life, the journey often helps us more than the outcome. Every challenge is an opportunity to grow.
What message would you share with students about courage, persistence, or stepping outside your comfort zone?
Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. True growth happens when you take risks, face setbacks, and keep going. As A.A. Milne said, “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think”.
As a parent and Channel swimmer, what do you value most about being part of the Salesian community?
I value the sense of belonging, the commitment to excellence, and the genuine partnership between families and the school. Being part of such a dynamic, supportive community has enriched both my children’s education and our family’s life.
