At 80, John Flanigan is preparing to take on the Robben Island to Blouberg swim, a challenge inspired by his own healing journey and supported every step of the way by his wife, Ann. Together, they have built Topaz Swim Buddies, a vibrant ocean community united by friendship.
Cape Town, South Africa (14 November 2025) – “Committed, dedicated, and lucky.”
That’s how Ann and John Flanigan describe their life together. Married for almost 60 years, the Blouberg couple have spent their lives chasing adventure, from scuba diving and sailing to surf-skiing around Cape Point. But nothing has bonded them and their community quite like the sea.
“Strangely enough, I never actually swam. Not until recently,” John said.
It all began about two years ago when John decided to try the Wim Hof cold-water method.
“I thought, let me give it a go. I lasted ten and a half minutes. The stupidest thing I’ve ever done. The next time, Ann joined me, and that’s when it started. We were just bobbing in the water. Hardly swimming, but we loved it.”
From those first dips grew Topaz Swim Buddies, a friendly group that meets at Kleinbaai near Onse Huisie.
The group’s name was inspired by the gemstone Topaz. It came from John’s friends jokingly calling themselves “Topies.”
“Topaz sounded better. And it fits. If you heat a Topaz, it cools quickly, just like us after a swim!”
“It’s become such a beautiful group,” says Ann. “No one judges. You can be any shape or any size, everyone’s friendly. And at our age, to make new friends like this, it’s just wonderful.”
Saints Hits R5 Million Mark for Giving Day!
Historic Film Workshop Proves Deaf Talent Belongs Behind and in Front of the CameraBut behind the humour lies a story of resilience. Eight years ago, John was diagnosed with a rare lung disease, pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, and was told that cold would be his worst enemy.
“He was near death,” Ann recalls. “He was on oxygen for two years. But he fought through it and now he’s swimming in the cold Atlantic every day!”
This month, John plans to celebrate his 80th birthday by swimming from Robben Island to Blouberg, aiming to become the oldest person ever to complete the iconic crossing.
“I’ve got no choice now. I’ve got my family, my friends, and the whole Topaz crew expecting me to finish and we’re raising funds for Down Syndrome research too.”
For John and Ann, it’s never been about records or recognition. It’s about the people.
Now John waits for the Cape Town weather to calm for his big swim. The Flanigans have turned cold water into a story of healing, friendship, and hope.
Sources: GTG Interview
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google.
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes and hear their incredible stories:
Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.
by 
