Twelve-time surf ski world champion and cancer warrior Oscar Chalupsky will be taking on this weekend’s aQuellé Midmar Mile alongside his 87-year-old father, Paul.
Chalupsky, diagnosed with bone marrow cancer in 2019 and initially given six months to live, is defying the odds and inspiring others with his participation in the iconic open-water swim.
"I'm doing well health-wise," said Chalupsky. "I'm on a new weekly treatment regime and training is going well."
“Though I’m down on power, I’m still pushing myself every day to keep training and stay strong.
“Here’s my simple formula: keep training, eat well, manage stress, and stay positive. That’s the key to achieving your goals.”
Chalupsky, who participated in the aQuellé Midmar Mile several times in his youth, easily convinced his father to join him. "It didn’t take too much to convince my dad," he explained. "He is always up for a challenge." At 87 years of age, Chalupsky Sr will be the oldest participant in the race.
This year's swim carries a special significance for Chalupsky Jr, who hopes to send a powerful message to those facing their own struggles. "You can achieve any goal once you have set your mind on it," he reckoned. "And never give up – ‘No Retreat, No Surrender’,” he added, a reference to his 2022 book title.
Chalupsky's impressive paddling career includes claiming 12 Open Ocean Surf Ski Championships victories, representing South Africa at the 1992 Olympic Games, and winning both the junior and senior Iron Man titles on the same day at the SA Surf Lifesaving Championships when he was just 15.
His octogenarian father has an impressive CV of his own, including winning the 50-Miler canoe race an incredible 15 times along with other local and international events.
Having attended the Midmar Mile last year to promote his book, Chalupsky understands the event's unique appeal. "It has been going on for so many years, and it’s the biggest open water swim in the world," he pointed out.
The 61-year-old’s philosophy on life and the mindset he’ll be taking into this weekend’s race is summed up well on his corporate speaking website: "Life is not for the lethargic, or at least not if you want to relish it to the fullest. Get out there, keep moving, and keep doing positive stuff. If you do that, you will, in the words of Bob Dylan, ‘stay forever young.’”
Those still wishing to enter the 2025 aQuellé Midmar Mile, which takes place from 6-9 February, can do so at the dam on the day as online entries are now closed. Swimmers are encouraged to arrive early to avoid disappointment.