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Adam O'Byrne's endurance sport journey spans Ironman triathlon, multiple Rottnest Channel crossings and the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming.
In this first part of our conversation, Adam reflects on his progression from AFL football and paramedic shift work into Ironman racing, qualifying for Kona and eventually discovering marathon swimming. We discuss his first solo Rottnest crossing, the lessons learned from a winter double crossing, the importance of crew and community, and what it took to complete the English Channel, Catalina Channel and Manhattan Island swims.
Along the way, Adam shares insights on preparation, resilience, swimming through the night and how endurance sport has evolved alongside family life and career.
This is part one of a two-part conversation with Adam O'Byrne.
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This interview was recorded on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar. I acknowledge the Noongar people as the Traditional Custodians of these lands and waters and pay my respects to Elders past and present.

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"Adam O'Byrne: Ironman, Channel Swimming and the Triple Crown" is an episode of The Science and Art of Open Water Swimming. Runtime 39 min. Published July 6, 2026. Hit play above to stream it here, or open the free Spot Sports app for background play and offline downloads.