23/05/2026
We’re incredibly proud to share the story of Charlie Allman-Brown and his extraordinary Cook Strait swim challenge.
Charlie has written a fantastic first-hand account of the physical and mental demands of this arduous challenge - from harsh conditions and exhaustion to the resilience and determination required to keep going. It’s a powerful insight into what these expeditions really take, both mentally and physically, and is well worth a read.
Charlie ended his account with:
“There is something in open water swimming that will be familiar to anyone who has served. The conditions don’t care about your plan. The tide doesn’t negotiate. At some point, the only question is whether you keep moving or stop. Those six hours crawling at 500 metres per hour taught me nothing I didn’t already know from soldiering.
My military experience gave me strength, confidence and drive. Never give up, stay motivated, and one can overcome the challenge in front of them. That is what the Army has taught me. Whatever the task, however little progress feels visible, the answer is always the same: choose to keep going and keep turning the arms.”
At Team Forces, we are proud to support individuals taking on challenges that push boundaries, inspire others and demonstrate the power of resilience through adventure.
Read Charlie’s full story here:
https://teamforces.org/2026/05/22/cook-strait-swim.