Mark O’Brien, a 55-year-old swimmer with family ties to Tipperary, is poised to make history as a triple world record holder with his latest endeavor. On Sunday, September 1, O’Brien will attempt to set two Guinness World Records in a single day, striving to achieve the fastest swim times for an individual with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
O’Brien, who holds dual citizenship in Ireland and the UK, will kick off his challenge with a 50-meter freestyle swim at Inspire Luton Sports Village in Luton, UK, at 8:50 a.m. His goal is to surpass a time of 38.92 seconds.
Following his UK attempt, O’Brien will travel to Ireland for his second record attempt. At 4:30 p.m., he will compete in a 100-meter freestyle event at the National Aquatic Centre in Dublin, aiming to beat a time of one minute 39.88 seconds.
This challenge builds on O’Brien’s previous achievement of setting the world record for the longest non-stop unaided open water swim by a person with MND. Last year, he completed a distance of 6.8 miles (11 km) in this remarkable feat.
Diagnosed with MND in March 2022, O’Brien has been motivated by the example of individuals like Rob Burrow and Alex Gibson to raise awareness and secure increased funding for MND research and support.
“My diagnosis has brought significant challenges,” O’Brien said. “But with the support of my family, friends, and MND associations in the UK and Ireland, as well as Challenging MND, I have emerged from a very dark period. Beyond fundraising, I want to highlight the mental health impacts of terminal illness and the positive effects of pushing oneself to the limit.”
O’Brien acknowledged that his training for these sprint events has presented new challenges compared to his previous long-distance swims, particularly due to the progression of his respiratory difficulties. However, with the guidance of three coaches, he remains hopeful about his chances.
O’Brien’s family hails from near Nenagh and the village of Dolla in north Tipperary, where he cherishes many happy childhood memories. “Thinking about doing this swim in Ireland, I feel my Dad, Jim O’Brien, would have been incredibly proud,” he said, reflecting on the emotional significance of the Irish leg of his challenge.
On the day of his attempts, O’Brien will also be joined by family members from New Zealand. He has been commuting to Ireland for training, and his eldest daughter, Lauren, works with Seal Rescue Ireland in Courtown, Co. Wexford.
O’Brien emphasized the importance of accelerating research into MND through more centralized funding, calling for greater collaborative efforts both within Ireland and across the EU. “It’s crucial that funding for research is centralized to improve the chances of finding a cure, though I acknowledge it may not happen within my lifetime,” he noted.
Despite the degenerative nature of MND, which often leaves patients needing up to 18 hours of sleep per day, O’Brien remains determined to make the most of his time. “The average survival rate after diagnosis is about three years, but I am committed to using my remaining time to make a difference,” he added.
Liane Iles, CEO of Challenging MND, praised O’Brien’s perseverance. “Mark’s journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. His efforts to raise awareness and funds are profoundly inspiring, and we encourage everyone to support his incredible challenge.”
Kevin Burn, CEO of the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association, expressed admiration for O’Brien’s courage. “Attempting two Guinness World Records in one day across two countries is an extraordinary feat. We are deeply grateful for his contributions to both fundraising and awareness efforts.”
Sharon King, Senior Regional Fundraiser for the MND Association (UK), also commended O’Brien. “Mark’s dedication and resilience are remarkable. His commitment to raising awareness and funds in the fight against MND is truly inspiring.”
Funds raised from O’Brien’s challenge will be equally distributed between The Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA), The UK Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA), and Challenging MND.
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