Seventeen-year-old Maya Merhige just became one of the youngest people *ever* to conquer the Cook Strait, a notoriously tough stretch of ocean between New Zealand’s North and South Islands, swimming about 27 miles (!!!) for over 14 hours in icy, unpredictable waters. Imagine swimming the length of nearly 500 football fields, but in freezing waves…while being stung by jellyfish.
Jellyfish? Oh yeah, you heard that right. Maya was stung so many times she literally lost count, but instead of panicking, she told herself, “Out of sight, out of mind” and powered through.
But this wasn’t Maya’s first big splash. She’s been making waves (literally) for years. At 14, she became the youngest woman to swim the Catalina Channel. At 15, she was the youngest person to cross Hawaii’s Ka’iwi Channel.
Maya got her start at just 9 with Swim Across America, a group that hosts big swims for charity—and her latest swim just raised a whopping $33,000 for pediatric cancer research and patient care (bringing her lifetime total to over $150,000!). Talk about using your talents to change the world.
And guess what? She’s not stopping anytime soon. Maya dreams of becoming the youngest person ever to complete the Oceans Seven, the ultimate open-water challenge. And while the Olympics have crossed her mind, she’s following her own path for now.
For Maya, it’s not about being the fastest; it’s about showing up, finishing strong and proving that you can do anything. Her story is the ultimate reminder for every girl: whether you’re facing a math test, a tough friendship moment or your own big dream, you’ve *got* this—you’re stronger than you know.
Totally wowed by Maya’s journey? Keep the inspo going with these GL picks:
🌊Add this teen-founded bookstore to your must-visit list
🌊How to make reading a priority when you just don’t have time
🌊Your ultimate Sunday to-do list
Ready to chase *your* big dreams? Let us know on IG @girlslifemag!
Top and slider image: @chasing_channels
