Karl Palmqvist, a former Hong Kong athlete turned Swedish national, just swam an incredible 360 kilometers around Gotland—Sweden’s largest island—over 21 days. This wasn’t just a physical feat; he did it to confront his mental health struggles and shine a light on the importance of mental well-being and nature conservation. The swim ties back to his roots in Hong Kong, where he first fell in love with open-water swimming.

Editor’s Note: Stories like Karl’s remind us that mental health battles don’t have to be fought quietly—they can inspire extraordinary acts of resilience. His swim isn’t just a personal triumph; it’s a powerful statement that physical challenges can be a way to process inner struggles, while also drawing attention to bigger causes like environmental conservation. It’s the kind of grit and openness that helps chip away at the stigma around mental health.