#SBS Winner Izzy Weatherall, 22-year-old entrepreneur and CEO of Support Small UK, has accomplished the extraordinary feat of swimming the English Channel Solo! After a Channel Relay in 2018 led her to book a Solo swim, it has been a gruelling 6-year journey to reach this achievement with external factors causing delays. Finally, on 14th August 2024, Izzy and her Crew set off from Dover Marina at 2:45 AM, Izzy battled the challenging waters, tides, and waves for an impressive 16 hours and 57 minutes before landing in France with the most beautiful sunset behind her!
Izzy says her Crew were ‘incredible, I couldn’t have asked for anyone better to support me through the swim. With feeds needing to be thrown to me from the boat and kept to a maximum of 20 seconds, it was a challenge for them too. They were juggling so much including prepping my feeds, checking in with the pilot, and sharing messages of support from friends and family at home and when it got tough, they were there cheering me on. I couldn’t have done it without them.’
Izzy’s remarkable achievement is a testament to her physical endurance as well as her indomitable spirit and determination. Friends, family, and colleagues have expressed their admiration and pride in her accomplishment. One close acquaintance reflected, “When I first met Izzy, she was just a little girl. Who would have ever imagined she’d achieve such a goal? This swim was built on a lifetime of resilience, hope, and fortitude.”
In addition to being a phenomenal athlete, Izzy has also been a role model in the business world. A colleague and close friend highlighted her multifaceted excellence by saying, “Ladies and gentlemen, our CEO, Izzy Weatherall! Yesterday, she didn’t just swim the Channel—she proved what it means to be truly unstoppable. Watching her on that boat back with her signature victory hand movement brought tears to my eyes. It was more than just a swim; it was a testament to her resilience, her winner’s mindset, and the kind of person she is. Hundreds of friends gathered to cheer her on, a true reflection of the amazing human being she is.”
Izzy’s journey serves as an inspiration to everyone, especially young people who are navigating the uncertainty of life decisions. Her story echoes the message that achievement is about much more than Likes, Follows, Academic success, or how you look; it’s about finding your path, using your influence for good, handling hard times, and pushing through adversity to reach your goals.
For further information or to arrange an interview with Izzy Weatherall, please contact her at hello@supportsmalluk.co.uk
