Aitutagata David Edgar, 53, is set to make history this Monday as he attempts the Apolima XX, a never-before-completed swim from Upolu to Savaii and back. 

The daring marathon swimmer from New Zealand is no stranger to extreme challenges, having conquered the New Zealand Triple Crown earlier this year and represented New Zealand in triathlon and Ironman events.

Aitutagata, who holds a matai title from Satapuala, bestowed in 2023) when he was part of the Manu Samoa coaching staff. He said the drive to attempt the Apolima XX comes from the thrill of the challenge. “Because it’s partly because it’s never been done,” he said.

The swim will start at 3 am, timed to match tides, weather, and optimal conditions. Aitutagata will follow a strict feeding schedule, taking nutrition and hydration every 30 minutes, handed to him on ropes from a support boat under international swimming rules. He will spend the first three to four hours swimming in the dark, something he has done many times before. “Yeah, done it lots on these swims,” he said. He and his team are well-prepared with proper lights, silo sticks, and additional lights on the boat to guide him.

Safety is a priority. David will wear a bracelet shark deterrent, similar to what surfers use, and the team is experienced in handling local waters. 

“Seti runs the boat, and he knows what the local waters are doing and the local tides and the wind, and he sets the course,” he explained. 

His support team, including John Scobie, will keep him on track. “It’s my job to make sure Dave does as he’s told, eats when he’s told to, drinks when he’s told to, and swims when he’s told to,” Scobie said. The team uses whistles and hand signals to communicate during the swim.

David plans to finish around 3 or 4 pm on Monday. His swim is part of his Dr Dave Swims charity platform, which supports children and teenagers with dyslexia and learning initiatives. The swim will be observed and ratified according to strict rules, with John Scobie acting as the official observer to ensure international standards are met.

For David, the challenge is everything. As a dyslexic, he has faced difficulties throughout his life but has managed to earn a degree, a master’s, and a PhD. Through “Dr Dave Swims,” he shows that it is possible to overcome challenges and achieve remarkable goals.

He is also a major in the Army, working full-time overseeing physical performance for the New Zealand Defence Force, running gyms, and managing physical trainers. 

David’s connection to Samoa goes back to 2009 when he came as a strength and conditioning coach in sports science. He worked with Manu Samoa as the head trainer for the Samoa Rugby Union and was the sevens trainer during the team’s World Series championship wins in 2009 and 2010. He also led the sports science program for the 2011, 2015, and 2023 Rugby World Cups.