Hi, my name is Aleksei.

On May 6th — my birthday — I will swim 46,300 yards (a full marathon distance) in a 25-yard pool. Around 12 hours in the water.

This isn’t just a challenge.

It’s a reason.

Two and a half years ago, my life changed after a serious accident. I’m still living with permanent (invisible) disabilities. There was a time I had to relearn how to walk — and later, how to swim again.

Swimming became my way back.

But coaching became my purpose.

Together with my partner Anton, we built the First Youth Triathlon Team (FYT Team) from nothing. In just over a year, we’ve grown to nearly 40 athletes — and today, our kids are competing at the top level in California, with podium finishes and state rankings.

Last year, I did this swim for the first time.

We raised over $20,000.

That money wasn’t just numbers — it gave kids a chance:

• Scholarships for those who couldn’t afford training

• Bikes and equipment

• A place to belong, train, and grow

This year, we’re pushing further.

We are raising funds to expand scholarships, send athletes to National Championships, invest in equipment, and begin building a strength & conditioning space for our community.

Because talent is everywhere — but opportunity is not.

For me, this swim is proof that I made it back.

For them, it’s a chance to go somewhere they’ve never been.

If you can, please support this mission — donate, share, or simply spread the word.

This isn’t just my swim.

It’s their future.