Merle Liivand: The Eco-Mermaid Championing Ocean Cleanup Through Record Swims
Diving deep into the world of aquatic sports and environmental activism, Merle Liivand stands out as a beacon of hope. Known not just for her prowess in swimming but also as an eco-advocate, she’s redefining what it means to be a record-breaking swimmer. As she gracefully navigates the waters with her monofin, Liivand is on a dual mission: setting world records and championing the cause of ocean cleanup. Her dedication is not just about personal achievements; it’s a clarion call for environmental awareness.
The Mermaid’s Monofin Journey
The 32-year-old’s monofin, which binds her feet together, might deceive an observer into believing in mermaids. In April, Liivand swam an impressive 31.3 miles around Miami’s Biscayne Bay in just over 14 hours, setting a new world record. This feat was an extension of her previous record set in California, where she covered about 6.21 miles.
More Than Just Records
But there’s a deeper purpose to Liivand’s swims. As she covers these marathon distances, she’s also on a mission to collect trash from the oceans. Her recent swim saw her gather a staggering 35 pounds of trash, highlighting the alarming state of our waters.
Overcoming Health Challenges
Despite facing health issues in her childhood and being advised against swimming, Liivand’s determination saw her amass a collection of medals, including three Baltic championships and two world ice swimming silver medals.
The Mermaid School Initiative
In 2014, Liivand established her ‘Mermaid’ school in the US. The initiative aims to teach children swimming basics using the monofin, emphasizing the importance of core strength and dolphin kick techniques.
The Environmental Wake-Up Call
Liivand’s concern about ocean pollution intensified during the 2016 Rio Olympics, where water quality issues were evident. Witnessing the scale of water pollution, she felt compelled to act. With around 50-75 trillion pieces of plastic polluting the oceans, the need for action has never been more urgent.
Hollywood and Future Endeavors
Liivand’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. There’s budding interest from Hollywood in her story, and she’s hopeful of roping in celebrities like Richard Branson for her future swims. Despite the challenges, she remains optimistic about bringing about change.
In a nutshell, Merle Liivand endeavors in the aquatic realm serve as a powerful reminder that individual passion, when combined with a noble cause, can create waves of change. Her dedication to both swimming and environmental conservation showcases how one person’s journey can inspire many to view our oceans with renewed respect and responsibility.
