Christy Swaid: From Jet Ski Champion to Porsche Enthusiast and Entrepreneur

Christy Swaid, a former six-time jet ski world champion, is embracing a new chapter of her life, marked by a passion for performance, precision, and entrepreneurship. Her journey from the water to the racetrack, and her recent daring jet ski backflip, showcases a remarkable spirit of resilience and a drive for new challenges.

Key Takeaways

• Christy Swaid, a decorated jet ski champion, finds parallels between her sport and Porsche performance.

• Her Porsche 718 Boxster S, named Grace, symbolizes a fresh start and a passion for driving.

• The Porsche Track Experience offers her a venue to fully unleash her sporting prowess.

• Swaid is also a successful entrepreneur, founding non-profits focused on health and wellness.

• She recently achieved a Guinness World Record for the oldest person to perform a jet ski backflip at 53.

A Life Fueled by Speed and Precision

Christy Swaid's life has always been defined by a love for speed, control, and the roar of engines. This passion, honed over years of jet ski competition where she earned six world championship titles, now finds a new outlet in her connection with Porsche. Her current daily driver, an Arctic Grey 718 Boxster S named Grace, represents a symbol of a bold new chapter. While her Macan S is used for practical tasks like transporting jet skis, the Boxster is her choice for spirited drives on winding roads and everyday errands.

From Waterways to the Racetrack

Swaid's pursuit of performance extends beyond public roads. She frequently visits the Porsche Track Experience (PTX) at Barber Motorsports Park. This official Porsche motorsport school provides a controlled environment where she can fully explore the capabilities of her 718 Boxster S, mastering racing lines and experiencing the vehicle's precision and her command over it. This mirrors the intense focus and physical demands of her jet skiing career.

A Journey of Resilience and New Beginnings

Swaid's path has not been without its challenges. After retiring from professional jet skiing at age 30 to focus on family and her neurosurgeon husband, Dr. Swaid N. Swaid, she founded the nonprofit organization HEAL United, promoting healthy lifestyles for children. The pandemic brought significant personal loss, but Swaid found a way to break free from anxiety through a daring jet ski backflip. This ambitious stunt, which she successfully landed on her tenth attempt, earned her a Guinness World Record as the oldest person to achieve this feat at 53. This accomplishment marked the beginning of a new phase, leading her to found Checkered Flag Living, an organization focused on both physical and mental well-being, embodying her new life motto: "Live as if the next lap just might be your best."