Jordina Quain: Identity, Belonging and the Hidden Impact of Endurance Sport

What does endurance sport give us beyond fitness and performance? In this episode, I speak with Jordina Quain, an endurance swimmer, Ironman athlete, sexologist, educator and PhD researcher exploring how exercise shapes women's sexuality and sense of self. Jordi recently completed her first solo Port to Pub crossing to Rottnest Island after overcoming significant health challenges, using open water swimming as both a comeback goal and a pathway back to confidence, capability and connection. Our conversation explores the deeper reasons people are drawn to endurance sport, including belonging, identity, purpose and what Jordi describes as the feeling of mattering. We discuss how exercise can influence confidence, relationships and body image, why some important aspects of women's experiences in sport remain under-discussed, and what her research is beginning to reveal about the connections between physical, mental and sexual wellbeing. We also reflect on the role of community in achieving ambitious goals, the power of language in shaping our experiences, and why open water swimming continues to draw us back to the ocean. In this episode we discuss: Jordi's journey into open water swimming and endurance sport Recovering from serious health challenges and finding a new goal Completing a solo Port to Pub crossing Community, belonging and support in endurance sport Confidence, capability and identity through challenge Women's experiences of exercise, body image and wellbeing Sexuality, relationships and sport The importance of language and framing The Mary Oliver quote that guided Jordi's Port to Pub swim What keeps drawing Jordi back to the ocean Connect with Jordina Instagram: @the_sporty_sexologist https://www.instagram.com/the_sporty_sexologist/ LinkedIn: Jordina Quain https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordina-quain-8a800b169/   Enjoyed this episode? If you found this conversation valuable, share it with a training partner or someone in your swimming or triathlon community. You can also follow The Science and Art of Open Water Swimming on Facebook and Instagram for more episodes, insights and updates. Instagram: @scienceandartofows This interview was recorded on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar. I acknowledge the Noongar people as the Traditional Custodians of these lands and waters and pay my respects to Elders past and present.