Friends swim between Iceland's Westman Islands and mainland to raise funds for deceased mother's daughter

Jóhann Guðmundsson and Aron Þór Leifsson are preparing for an extraordinary challenge: swimming from Vestmannaeyjar to the south coast of Iceland. This ambitious feat is not just a personal test of endurance but a heartfelt effort to raise funds for Atalía Örk, the four-year-old daughter of Bríet Irma, who passed away in August of the previous year.

The duo, both experienced triathletes currently in peak condition for an upcoming event, estimate the swim to be between 12 to 13 kilometers and expect it to take six to eight hours. They have targeted Sunday, July 9, for the swim, anticipating favorable currents and weather, though Jóhann acknowledges the unpredictability of Icelandic conditions.

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We expect to swim about 12 to 13 kilometers and the journey to take 6 to 8 hours. We expect to swim on Sunday, July 9, as the currents are predicted to be in our favor and the weather too. But with this Icelandic weather, you never know.

This particular route is exceptionally challenging, having been successfully completed only six times in history. Sigurgeir Svanbergsson, the last person to complete the swim in 2022, will be part of the support team. Guðmundsson and Leifsson will have two support boats accompanying them, staffed by teams responsible for nutrition and safety, who will monitor their condition throughout the journey.

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We are similar in swimming. There is perhaps more cooperation than competition between us Arons, but it will just show who will be first.

Guðmundsson explained that their nutrition plan includes carbohydrate-rich "smoothies," similar to what runners and cyclists use, while others might opt for gummy bears and cola. The initiative has already secured support from Sportís for merchandise production, including sweaters and t-shirts, with the goal of raising over one million Icelandic króna. Guðmundsson emphasized that this cause was deeply personal, as he knew Bríet well and wanted to support her daughter.

Donations can be made through a dedicated website, atalia.is, and updates on the swim will be posted on Instagram under the handles J.gudmunds and Aronthorleifss.

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She had a great impact on the lives of many and you always hear the same stories about her, that where she came, light shone. It is truly sad how it ended and you felt how much it shocked people. I felt that if I were to do any charity work, it would be for Bríet's girl.