In the world of endurance sports, marathon swimming is a unique and challenging pursuit. For Steve Leitch, the sport has become more than just a physical challenge—it’s a journey of faith, family, and personal redemption. With a passion for adventure swimming, Steve has taken on some of the most treacherous waters on the planet, all while navigating life’s personal trials. His story is one of grit, grace, and perseverance.
The Call of the Open Water
Steve Leitch wasn’t always an adventure swimmer. He began as a competitive swimmer in his youth but drifted away from the sport during college. Life led him down a different path, and for more than 25 years, Steve left the water behind. It wasn’t until 2017 that he rediscovered his love for swimming, spurred by a desire for personal growth and healing. Little did he know, this rediscovery would take him to the shores of Hawaii for one of the most ambitious swims of his life: the 28-mile Molokai Channel.
Known as the “Channel of Bones,” the Molokai Channel is infamous for its strong currents, unpredictable weather, and marine life, including sharks and stingrays. The swim, which crosses the channel between Molokai and Oahu, is part of the prestigious Ocean Seven—a collection of the most difficult open-water swims around the globe. Steve’s decision to tackle this daunting challenge came after completing a series of long-distance swims, including a 28-mile swim in Lake Michigan and a 22-mile swim across Lake Keowee in South Carolina.
In the aftermath of losing two people close to him—his father and a dear friend—within a short span, Steve felt called to something bigger. “I needed something to focus on,” he explains. The Molokai Channel swim became that focus, giving him a way to channel his grief and test his physical and mental limits.
Swimming Into the Unknown
While the distance of the Molokai Channel is a significant challenge on its own, the real test comes from the open ocean environment. Steve set off on his journey at 6:00 PM, just as the sun began to set. Swimming through the night in pitch-black waters, he faced 13 hours of uncertainty. Though there was a shark deterrent in place—an electric shark shield trailing behind the support kayak—the ocean still held its risks. Strong winds separated Steve from his kayaker at one point, causing a jolt when the shield’s line unexpectedly struck him.
Despite the danger, Steve kept his focus on the finish line, determined to conquer both the ocean and the internal struggles that had defined much of his life. The adventure swim wasn’t just about physical endurance; it was a symbol of the emotional and spiritual journey he had undertaken.
The Journey of Faith and Family
Steve’s life in the water mirrors his spiritual walk. His early years were marked by feelings of not fitting in. Though raised in a Christian household with a father who was a traveling evangelist, Steve found himself pulled away from faith, succumbing to the temptations of addiction. College brought a period of self-destruction, marked by alcohol and drugs. But through it all, his father never gave up on him.
“My dad showed me grace upon grace,” Steve recalls. Even during the darkest times, his father remained a steadfast presence, showing unconditional love and always believing that Steve would find his way back to God. In 2010, after hitting rock bottom, Steve had a profound moment of surrender. Out of options and feeling completely broken, he turned his life over to Christ, asking for guidance and peace.
This moment marked the beginning of a new chapter. While the journey wasn’t easy, it set Steve on a path toward healing, one that ultimately led him back to his faith, his family, and the water.
A Legacy of Grace
A crucial figure in Steve’s story is his father, whose influence stretched far beyond typical parental guidance. As an evangelist who journeyed through life with a deep faith, Steve’s father taught him the importance of grace and forgiveness. One of the most powerful lessons Steve learned came near the end of his father’s life, during a heartfelt conversation where his father said, “I went through hell with you.”
This statement, full of grace and empathy, encapsulated the depth of his father’s love. Rather than blaming Steve for the hardships they endured, his father emphasized that they had weathered those storms together, standing firm in their faith. His father’s unyielding support and grace laid the foundation for Steve’s transformation.
Building a New Life
In addition to his personal journey of faith and redemption, Steve’s life took another positive turn when he married his longtime friend, Kelly. Having known each other since childhood, their relationship was built on mutual respect, shared faith, and a commitment to prayer. Their marriage is grounded in daily conversations with God, where they seek His guidance and pray for direction in their lives.
Kelly played a pivotal role during Steve’s Molokai Channel swim, providing support and encouragement. Her presence in his life has been a source of strength, as they continue to grow in their faith and face life’s challenges together.
Looking Ahead: The English Channel
The Molokai Channel was just one chapter in Steve’s adventure swimming journey. Since completing that swim, he has continued to push his limits, including a recent swim across the English Channel in July 2023. Steve’s passion for adventure swimming, coupled with his dedication to his faith, shows no signs of slowing down.
For Steve, swimming is not just a physical endeavor—it’s an opportunity to connect with others, share his faith, and raise awareness for causes close to his heart, including addiction recovery. He’s eager to offer encouragement and support to anyone facing similar struggles, using his story as a testament to the power of faith and perseverance.
Conclusion
Steve Leitch’s journey from addiction to adventure swimming is a powerful story of grace, resilience, and faith. Through the challenges of open-water swimming and the trials of life, Steve has found strength in his relationship with God, the support of his family, and his own determination to keep moving forward. Whether facing sharks in the ocean or personal demons on land, Steve continues to swim with purpose, inspiring others along the way.
