Living with Purpose

Christy Swaid is an inspirational figure—a world-class athlete, entrepreneur, and a dedicated advocate for children’s health. Her story exemplifies the strength of resilience and the significance of pursuing one’s passions.

“Engagement in meaningful activities enhances your quality of life,” explains Swaid, who is the founder and CEO of HEAL (Healthy Eating Active Living) United, an organization aimed at enhancing children’s health.

Raised in the south side of Chicago, Swaid, 54, faced early hardships stemming from poverty and family challenges. Following her parents’ divorce, she and her two elder brothers relocated with their mother to their grandfather’s house.

“My grandfather emphasized farm-to-table principles, so our diet consisted of whole, natural foods,” she shares. “We also spent a lot of time playing outdoors.” This upbringing inspired her to create HEAL United.

Chasing Adventure

Meanwhile, her father reinvented his life in Florida, launching a jet ski rental venture that Swaid and her siblings spent their summers working at.

“During our downtime, we would play on the equipment as energetically as possible,” recalls Swaid. “At 13, my dad allowed me to enter a jet ski race, which caught the eye of a team manager. This moment sparked my racing career, culminating in my winning my first championship just two years later.”

After graduating high school early in 1989, Swaid participated in her inaugural professional race in California, claiming victory against all odds. “The win stunned everyone, including myself,” she recounts.

Throughout a remarkable decade in racing, Swaid earned the title of six-time world champion, establishing herself as the most successful female jet ski racer in the sport’s history.

“That decade brought both triumphs and devastating losses,” she reflects. “Yet, those challenges often transformed into valuable lessons.”

Championing Child Health

After ending her professional racing career, Swaid explored new avenues, including her volunteer efforts with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary to promote jet ski and boating safety. “This experience taught me the value of advocacy, service, and helping others,” she says.

Upon relocating from California to Alabama with her husband, Swaid sought impactful ways to contribute to community health, leading to the founding of HEAL United to combat rising childhood obesity rates.

From its inception, HEAL emphasized scientific principles, providing children with heart rate monitors to enable them to track their exercise intensity.

“The kids were immediately drawn to the heart monitors,” Swaid notes. “They loved demonstrating their heart rates to me.”

HEAL United began in 10 schools targeting nine-year-olds, and has expanded significantly to serve over 45,000 students across more than 200 K-12 institutions in Alabama.

Swaid believes that the skills imparted by HEAL United are beneficial throughout life, empowering individuals to engage in passions as they grow older.

“I envision activities I love, like racing my jet ski with my boys. Having a fun goal motivates me to train,” she explains.

Embracing Aging

Swaid continues to evolve personally and professionally, not only through her work with HEAL but also with her venture, Checkered Flag Living LLC (CFL), which focuses on sharing her stories of resilience and empowerment.

CFL emerged from her personal challenges, including the loss of her mother in 2020. “I had no idea how much I depended on her until she was gone,” she admits. “I’m still processing that grief.”

Following her mother’s passing, she also experienced the loss of her father and racing coach. “I felt nearly paralyzed by sadness, as though joy had escaped me,” confesses Swaid, whose middle name reflects her essence—Joy. “I struggled to navigate that dark period.”

“Through therapy, I discovered that to heal, one must confront adversity,” she shares. “This requires bravery and support from loved ones.”

Swaid remains committed to discovering and reinventing herself, encouraging others to focus on their unique contributions, whether through organizing events, culinary talents, or simply being supportive companions.

“The secret lies in seeking avenues to share your talents; that’s when you truly come alive,” she concludes.