When David Poulshock dove into a lap pool after a 50-year hiatus from competitive swimming, he didn’t just take a dip; he reignited a deep passion that would push him to conquer open water races, overcome serious health challenges, and inspire swimmers of all ages.
Now, at 75, David shares his story of grit, resilience, and a profound love for the water—qualities that fuel his ambition to tackle the Portland Bridge Swim each year.
Watch his full interview!
A Lifelong Love Reignited
David’s love for swimming began in his youth, propelling him to compete in high school and even land a spot on his college team. However, as life unfolded, his path veered away from competitive swimming. Decades later, at age 65, David decided it was time to dive back in, setting himself a goal to complete an 18 km open water race annually. It was no easy feat, especially after taking a 50-year break from the sport. Yet, the challenge only deepened his resolve.
“I remember the first time back in the water—I couldn’t even finish a lap without gasping for breath,” he shared, laughing. But that frustration sparked something in him. Soon, his passion grew beyond the lap pool, and he sought open water swims, including the grueling 11-mile Portland Bridge Swim.
A Comeback Like No Other
Determined to prove his stamina and resilience, David set his sights on the Portland Bridge Swim, an annual open water race that spans the city’s 12 bridges. But as he trained for his first solo bridge swim, he experienced an unexpected health scare—a heart attack.
In the hospital that night, he thought of his goal and refused to let his setback stop him.
Just three months later, he was back in the water, completing the first leg of the race, and he hasn’t missed an annual bridge swim since.
For David, the race itself has become a personal mission. “I promised myself I would keep swimming it until I physically couldn’t,” he explained. His resilience has paid off, earning him first place in his age group multiple times. “Even if I was the only one in the group,” he joked, “I was still winning.”
New Challenges In The Water
Despite his persistence, David admits the journey hasn’t been smooth. In 2022, battling an intense incoming tide during the bridge swim led to his first-ever DNF (Did Not Finish). “That setback really got to me,” he reflected. However, with encouragement from friends and a newfound interest in improving his technique, he jumped back into training.
It was during this phase that David discovered MySwimPro, a swim training app that would help him refine his technique and training structure. “The Whiteboard Wednesday videos introduced me to aspects of swimming I never even thought about,” he said. He followed a structured open water training plan, integrating drills, intervals, and structured sets. “It changed everything—I felt more motivated and prepared than ever.”
Training at the 2024 MySwimPro Swim Retreat in Antalya, Turkey
David’s story was filmed at the stunning 2024 MySwimPro Swim Retreat in Antalya, Turkey, where swimmers from around the world gathered for coaching, camaraderie, and unforgettable open-water experiences.
For David, this retreat was more than just a swim camp. “I’ve spent most of my swimming journey alone,” he said, “so being surrounded by people who share the same passion, from all walks of life, was incredible. We encouraged each other, laughed together, and formed bonds that’ll last a lifetime.”
Set against the backdrop of a beautiful all-inclusive resort, David enjoyed every moment—from early morning swim sessions in the Mediterranean to sharing stories over dinner with new friends. The retreat helped him rediscover the joy of community and pushed him to new levels of endurance and confidence.
Ready to Dive In?
If you’re inspired by David’s story and ready to dive into your own swimming journey, don’t wait! MySwimPro’s Swim Retreats offer the chance to train with expert coaches, meet like-minded swimmers, and explore incredible destinations.
Visit myswimpro.com/retreats to learn about our upcoming retreats and book your spot today. Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or just starting, there’s a place for you in the water. Join us and experience the joy of swimming like never before.
