Meet Miu Tanaka: A Rising Star in Open Water Swimming
Written by Lydia Burdett /
Red ambassador Miu Tanaka has been immersed in the swim world since she was just two years old. Now, as a young woman, her swimming life has evolved from early pool competitions to the vast challenges of open water. And as the youngest person to complete the Australian Triple Crown so far, she’s only just getting started…
Hey Miu – so tell us a bit about your swimming life…
My name is Miu, and I’ve been swimming for almost 18 years. My parents tell me that as a
baby, I would float and even fall asleep in the bathtub, which led them to enrol me in a swim club. While I began with competitive pool swimming, the pressure of racing and an overemphasis on times led me to seek a different path. At around 12, I transitioned to open water swimming, and it reignited my love for the sport. Now I train with a squad in Sydney that specialises in marathon swimming – and I’ve started to explore ultra-marathon (25km+) distances.
Do any particular ultra-marathon moments stand out?
One of my most memorable experiences was during the Derwent River 34km, swimming beneath the stars. The water was calm and dark; it was so peaceful I felt like I could
almost fall asleep. Then a few hours in, I got to see the sunrise and it was spectacular. Those moments – that are unique to ultra-marathon swims – make me love the sport and feel like I could just keep swimming forever.
EVO Pro Change Robe
How do you combine life as a student with life as a swimmer?
Balancing swimming with university studies in Clinical Exercise Physiology and Exercise Science, as well as work and social life, can be challenging. However, nothing feels like something I must do. Instead it all feels like something I get to do, and I’m so grateful for that. Ensuring I have clear goals in all aspects of my life also helps keep me focused and motivated when things get tough.
How do you imagine your future in swimming?
Completing the Australian Triple Crown reinforced my love for ultra-marathon swimming. It made me realise I can swim longer and faster – and that I haven’t reached the limit of what I can do in the water. Looking ahead, I’m preparing to swim the English Channel in August, both solo and as part of a double-crossing relay. Not many people get the chance to do both in one season, so I feel very privileged. Eventually I want to explore the world’s different oceans, attempt swims that no-one’s done before, and see how far I can really push.
What essential Red kit do you pack for an ultra-marathon swim?
Especially in colder conditions, definitely in Northern Europe for the English Channel swim, I won’t be without my super-cosy EVO Pro Changing Robe. Then I really just need my Quick-Dry Microfibre Towel and Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle. I carry it all, plus anything else I want, in the amazing Waterproof Kit Bag to guarantee everything stays safe and dry.
Australian Triple Crown
The prestigious Australian Triple Crown of Ultra Marathon Swimming consists of a
solo, non-assisted completion of three swims: the 25km Rottnest Port to Pub in Western Australia, 24km Palm Beach to Shelley Beach in New South Wales, and 34km Derwent River Marathon in Tasmania – find out more via australiantriplecrownofultramarathonswimming.com
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Miu's Swim Essentials
Gear up for every swim adventure with Red’s essential kit. From changing robes to waterproof bags, these trusted products help you stay warm, dry, and prepared.