Lewis Pugh Quotes

As a pioneer swimmer, you've got to be willing to fail and try again. The point isn’t to learn to fail, the point is to learn to bounce back.

I’ve swum through some very cold and rough seas. I think that’s made me more determined than the average person.

I look for swims where I can carry a powerful message. No message, no swim. I don’t get wet now unless it’s for a reason.

Too little confidence, and you're unable to act; too much confidence, and you're unable to hear.

I think it foolhardy to predict the absolute limits of human endurance.

I tolerate cold water. Anyone who says they love swimming in freezing water is either lying or has never done it.

If you have a passion, follow it. It's the best barometer of what you will be good at. And choose a career that you enjoy – the extra money of a job you detest isn’t worth it.

When I can’t decide which path to take, I have a meeting with the 75-year-old me. That person usually knows what to do.

Law taught me how to argue passionately and rationally. That’s key to being a successful environmental campaigner. If you are too emotional you run the risk of turning off policy makers. And if you can’t present your arguments rationally, no one will listen to you.

I always tell young swimmers: 'Practice things until you can't get them wrong. Not until you get them right.' There's a big difference.

There’s a fine line between bravery and stupidity, which should never be crossed.

No matter how tough my day has been, when I dive into the sea, the world seems perfect.

Don’t look for other people to validate your dreams. If it feels right, just go for it.

I’ve been swimming for 25 years, and I don’t think there is one swim that I have done where someone didn’t say beforehand, ‘I don’t think it’s possible’ or ‘You’ll never make it’. If someone tells you that you can’t achieve your dream, don’t waste good time arguing. Walk away and do it.

[...] it’s much easier to achieve big dreams than it is small ones. Big dreams require big passion. And when you’ve got passion it’s easier to inspire others to come along and help you.