Swimmer Spotlight: Søren Stiller Markussen
In 2015, Søren Stiller Markussen could barely swim 25 metres without stopping. He struggled with freestyle, not being able to get into a rhythm or synchronise his breathing. Every attempt left him frustrated, especially when others seemed to glide through the water calmly and effortlessly.
One day in his coffeehouse, a customer noticed Søren’s interest in swimming and offered to teach him the basics. Søren says this was a pivotal turning moment in his life. Determined to improve, he bought a new swimsuit and began training 3 to 4 times a week in the sea at Aarhus. Distances of 600m to start, then 800m, 1200m, 1500m, and eventually 4200 meters. A summer activity turned into a year-round passion, and even the harsh Danish winters could not stop him.
In 2018, Søren travelled to Perth to visit friends and train ju-jitsu at Jan de Jong Martial Arts, a school he’s been returning to since 1991. There, he discovered that a close friend was also an open water swimmer. They entered as a team for a local race, sparking a new chapter of challenges and camaraderie. The experience cemented Søren’s love for open water swimming, not just as an individual pursuit but as a shared adventure with others.
Søren says swimming is more than just a sport for him – it’s a way of life. He has learnt that you can’t fight against the waves; rather, you must adapt and flow with them. This mindset has transformed how he approaches challenges in life, learning to embrace and work with difficulties. Swimming and coffee are connected for him by a shared love for community and growth.
Swimming has introduced Søren to a community of passionate individuals who inspire and motivate him. Søren says open water swimming has not only transformed his fitness but also deepened his appreciation for the simple yet profound joys of life – breathing deeply, moving freely, and embracing the unknown.
Søren is travelling from Denmark to compete in this year’s 2025 Euroz Hartleys Port to Pub with Hotel Rottnest as a member of Team bare fortsæt med at svømme – Just Keep Swimming. Søren is a World Champion Barista and runs an amazing coffeehouse in Aarhus, Denmark. You can find him on Instagram & Facebook @stillerscoffee.
Say hello to Søren when you see him at the 2025 Port to Pub – we hope that he enjoys the balmy Perth waters as well as our coffee!
~by Emma Fuller
