This month’s Swimmer Spotlight is on one of our newer members who is training for his first Robben Island Swim in November 2025.
Meet Guy, a true inspiration and living proof that it’s never too late to go for your dreams. Let’s get to know him a little better.
Full name: Guy Dawson Wilson
DOB: 23 April 1947
Birthplace: Johannesburg
Profession: Retired retail entrepreneur
Started open water swimming: When I was 5, in and across the Orange River at Riverton near Kimberley
Swim attire preference: I prefer skins
My most memorable swim:
I have many great memories but my best is probably taking part in a 3km race in the Kazanka River in Kazan, Russia in the 2015 World Masters Swimming Championships. It was 1.5km out to the buoy and 1.5km back. What made it so memorable was the setting next to the city of Kazan – where the East met West in ancient times, and the architecture was stunning. I’ll never forget the thrill of competing in an international event, seeing my name come up on the TV results screen, and the help I got from the pretty nurses when I battled to keep my balance after exiting the water.
What I love most about the swim group:
The friendly welcome I got from everyone when I joined.
Swim Motto:
Water is life.
