A feat only accomplished by 600 swimmers in over 130 years, John Maclean became a national hero and an inspirational swimmer when he became the first wheelchair athlete ever to swim across the trecerous channel.

Disabled after a cycling accident, John refused to sit back and let the world go by. Instead, set himself an unthinkable goal. To accomplish what even most able bodies won’t go.

In 2001, he finished the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, one of the most grueling and dangerous yacht race in the world. A cold, bumpy, and very challenging race, it is typical for a considerable number of yachts and crewmen to retire.

An incredible athlete, John Maclean was also the First Wheelchair Athlete to complete the Hawaiian Ironman Triathlon. In his third attempt, he finished the 3.8km ocean swim, 180km cycle leg and 42.2km marathon in the 946th place, beating 425 able-bodied athletes.

A few months after the crossing the English Channel, John established the John Maclean Foundation. A way of providing assistance to others, the foundation provides support and assistance to Australian wheelchair users under the age of 18.

To learn more about the foundation please visit: John Maclean Foundation