Swimming Against the Current

At 40 years old, Mayra Santos became the first woman to swim the treacherous 42-kilometer stretch between Porto Santo and Madeira, a feat that had been deemed nearly impossible. With 12 hours and 7 minutes in the water, her journey was not just a physical endurance test, it was the culmination of years of resilience, determination, and a relentless belief in overcoming life's currents. But Mayra's story doesn't begin with her groundbreaking swim in 2019. Instead, it begins far from the ocean, in the hills of Juiz de Fora, Brazil.

Born in 1979, I grew up far from the sea, in a modest home with my mother and sister. Despite limited financial means, my family was rich in values and support. My mother, a hardworking single parent, instilled in me the importance of education and perseverance. Though my father left the family when I was just six years old, my mother's unwavering dedication shaped me into a strong, ambitious young woman.

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As a child, I found joy in various sports—gymnastics, ballet, and even athletics. But it was my proximity to a local pool that ignited my passion for swimming. I remember playing in the water for hours, my love for the aquatic world sparking early on. With dreams of one day competing in the Olympics, I joined a swim team. However, life took an unexpected turn when my mother lost her job, and financial instability forced me to leave behind my competitive swimming dreams.

At 17, I became a mother. My first pregnancy ended in tragedy with the loss of my son Matheus, but soon after, I gave birth to my daughter Nayara. Determined to provide a better future for my child, I entered the healthcare field, working as a bone densitometry technician. Though not the medical career I had once envisioned, I found solace in helping others. However, my desire to create a better life for my daughter led me to make a bold decision: to move to Europe.

In 2003, I embarked on a new chapter, leaving my family behind in Brazil to seek opportunities abroad. My journey took me to Germany first, where, despite the warm summer welcome, I faced barriers to staying long-term. It was during this time I heard about Madeira, a beautiful island off the coast of Portugal, and decided to take a leap of faith. I moved there in hopes of building a stable life for myself and my daughter, whom I planned to bring over as soon as possible.

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Despite the hardships of starting over, I found love and stability when I met my husband, João, in 2007. Together, we built a life on Madeira, and by 2010, we had a son, Nayan. Yet, even with a stable family life, I never lost my passion for the water. In 2015, I began training in a local pool, rediscovering the joy I had felt as a young swimmer. Within a month, I was invited to participate in an open water swim, a defining moment that would change the course of my life.

The transition from pool to ocean was daunting. Isn't the ocean full of sharks? I remember wondering before my first open-water training session. But my adventurous spirit pushed me to dive into the deep, and from that first experience, I was hooked. Swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Madeira ignited a fire in my soul. Soon after, I set my sights on an ambitious goal: to become the first woman to swim from Porto Santo to Madeira, a swim known for its treacherous currents and intimidating distance.

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The decision was met with doubt from many. Even my team questioned whether I could do it. But my determination was unshakable. Over the course of three years, I trained tirelessly, waking up at 5 a.m., pushing my body to the limit. My life became a cycle of long hours in the water, followed by the responsibilities of motherhood and work. Yet, I never wavered in my commitment to this goal.

"The decision was met with doubt from many. Even my team questioned whether I could do it.”

On September 4, 2019, the day finally arrived. With my husband by my side and a small team of supporters, I plunged into the water at the Ilhéu da Cal in Porto Santo. The ocean was rough, but my resolve was stronger. Stroke by stroke, I pushed through the currents, focusing on my goal: to reach the shores of Madeira. After 12 grueling hours, I made history as I stepped onto land at Ponta de São Lourenço, welcomed by a cheering crowd of friends, family, and admirers.

But this monumental achievement was only the beginning. I went on to break records, including a staggering 31-hour continuous swim. My accomplishments earned me international recognition and a place in the record books, but to me, these feats represent more than personal victories. They are a testament to the power of persistence, resilience, and the belief that no dream is too distant when you are willing to swim toward it with all your might.

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In August of this year, I surprised myself once again with my feats, becoming the only person to swim from Madeira Island to the Desertas Islands and back, totaling a distance of 60 km in over 20 hours. Two weeks later, I challenged myself in the ice waters in front of the Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentine Patagonia, representing Portugal at the Ice Swimming World Cup, bringing home six medals: four gold and two silver in my category.

Today, my journey serves as an inspiration to people around the world. My story is not just about swimming, it's about overcoming life's challenges, about believing in yourself even when others doubt you. It's about daring to dream big and having the courage to follow through.

"[The personal victories] are a testament to the power of persistence, resilience, and the belief that no dream is too distant when you are willing to swim toward it with all your might."

As I look ahead to the future, I know there are more challenges to face, more waters to conquer. But one thing remains constant: when self-doubt is replaced by courage, determination, and belief, there is no current too strong to swim against.