Surf ski legend to race Midmar Mile with elderly dad

Twelve-time surf ski world champion and cancer warrior Oscar Chalupsky will be making a splash at this weekend’s aQuellé Midmar Mile alongside his 87-year-old father, Paul Chalupsky. Diagnosed with bone marrow cancer in 2019 and given just six months to live, Oscar has defied all odds, using his journey to inspire others as he takes on the world’s largest open-water swim event.

"I’m doing well health-wise," Chalupsky shared in a statement. "I'm on a new weekly treatment regime, and training is going well. Though I’m down on power, I’m still pushing myself every day to keep training and stay strong."

The legendary paddler credits his perseverance to a simple yet powerful philosophy: "Keep training, eat well, manage stress, and stay positive. That’s the key to achieving your goals."

Returning to the event he swam in during his youth, Chalupsky convinced his father – another legend – to join him, though it did not take much persuasion.

"He is always up for a challenge," he said. Paul Chalupsky will be the oldest competitor in this year’s race, adding another remarkable chapter to their family’s sporting legacy.

For Oscar, this year’s Midmar Mile is about more than just competition; it is a message of resilience and determination.

"You can achieve any goal once you set your mind to it. And never give up – No Retreat, No Surrender," he said, referencing the title of his 2022 book.

Chalupsky’s sporting achievements are nothing short of extraordinary. In addition to his 12 Open Ocean Surf Ski Championship victories, he represented South Africa at the 1992 Olympic Games and made history by winning both the junior and senior Iron Man titles on the same day at the SA Surf Lifesaving Championships at just 15 years old.

Paul is equally accomplished, boasting 15 wins in the gruelling 50-Miler canoe race, along with a host of other local and international accolades.

Having attended last year’s Midmar Mile to promote his book, Chalupsky appreciates the unique appeal of the event.

"It has been going on for so many years, and it’s the biggest open-water swim in the world," he said.

At 61, his zest for life remains unwavering. His philosophy, as reflected on his corporate speaking platform, is a testament to his drive: "Life is not for the lethargic, or at least not if you want to relish it to the fullest. Get out there, keep moving, and keep doing positive stuff. If you do that, you will, in the words of Bob Dylan, 'stay forever young'."

Those still hoping to participate in the 2025 aQuellé Midmar Mile, taking place from tomorrow, Thursday February 6 to Sunday February 9, can register at the dam on the day, as online entries have now closed. Swimmers are advised to arrive early to avoid disappointment.