KIJK. Davy (33) uit Brugge zwemt 67 kilometer langs kustlijn en legt witte rozen in zee voor overleden ouders
Bruges native Davy Billiau has turned personal tragedy into an extraordinary feat of endurance, successfully completing a 67-kilometer swim from De Panne to Knokke, a journey he named the “Wave of Hope.” The 33-year-old’s epic swim, which lasted nearly 19 hours, was both a physical challenge and a deeply emotional tribute to his late parents.
From a young age, Davy looked up to his grandfather, Gilbert Desmit, an accomplished swimmer who represented Belgium in the 1956 and 1960 Olympic Games. Inspired by his grandfather’s legacy and driven by his own personal experiences, Davy followed a path that combined athleticism with service. At eighteen, he became a top-level athlete with the Belgian Defense forces and currently works as a diver and bomb disposal specialist at DOVO Zeebrugge.
The idea for the “Wave of Hope” project had been percolating in Davy’s mind for some time. It took on new urgency following profound personal loss: his mother passed away five years ago from a brain tumor, and his father fell ill last year, passing away on April 15. “I was able to tell my dad about this special swim before he passed,” Davy shared in a recent interview with HLN Regio. “This challenge became more than just a sporting goal; it became a way to honor my parents and what they meant to me.”
Central to the swim was a poignant ritual. At Zeebrugge, midway through his journey, Davy paused to receive two white roses from a DOVO support boat. Holding them for a few moments, he kissed them and then gently placed them into the waters of the North Sea. “This is a symbolic gesture for my parents, who I lost in such a short period of time,” Davy said. “It was my way of celebrating their lives and the love they gave me.”
In addition to paying tribute, Davy’s swim also supported a cause close to his heart. He chose Wens Ambulancezorg vzw, a Belgian nonprofit dedicated to helping terminally ill patients fulfill their last wishes. “Having experienced the end-of-life process with both my parents, I know how meaningful it is to say goodbye in a dignified way,” he explained. “Even if it’s something as simple as taking a photo with a celebrity or watching a final sunset, these moments matter immensely. I wanted my challenge to help others experience that same dignity.”
Preparing for this marathon swim required months of intensive training, beginning in September 2024. Only two other West Flemish swimmers, Marieke Blomme and Mathieu Bonne, have completed similar distances in the past. To ensure he was ready, Davy enlisted guidance from renowned triathlete Luc Van Lierde, who assisted with physical assessments, endurance tests, and a customized training program. “The swim is not only about strength but also strategy, pacing, and mental resilience,” Van Lierde noted. “Davy approached it with incredible discipline and determination.”
The journey itself was grueling. Davy started at 6:30 a.m. on a Monday morning in De Panne, facing the North Sea’s unpredictable conditions for nearly 19 hours. Waves, currents, and cold temperatures tested his stamina and mental toughness, but he pressed on, motivated by both personal purpose and the support of his team. He received aid from a DOVO support boat along the route, which ensured his safety, provided nourishment, and offered emotional encouragement throughout the marathon swim.
Finally, after 18 hours and 48 minutes of continuous effort, Davy reached the finish line in Knokke late Tuesday night. Exhausted yet triumphant, he was met by a small gathering of family, friends, and supporters who celebrated his achievement. “Crossing that finish line was more than just completing a swim; it was a culmination of love, memories, and resilience,” Davy reflected.
His accomplishment has resonated widely, inspiring both local communities and the broader athletic world. Social media posts documenting the swim and the symbolic tribute to his parents have been shared extensively, highlighting the emotional depth behind the feat. Davy’s story is a reminder that extraordinary acts of endurance often carry personal narratives that make them all the more powerful.
Davy Billiau’s “Wave of Hope” swim stands as a testament to human perseverance, filial love, and the desire to make a meaningful impact. It also underscores the importance of charitable action, showing how personal goals can be intertwined with acts of service to others. Through this remarkable journey, Davy not only honored his parents but also gave hope and inspiration to those facing life’s most difficult moments.
With the successful completion of the 67-kilometer swim, Davy has cemented his place among Belgium’s most dedicated long-distance swimmers, continuing the legacy of his grandfather while creating a story uniquely his own. As he recovers and reflects on the achievement, Davy hopes that his efforts will encourage others to pursue their passions while honoring the memories of those they love and supporting causes that make a difference in the lives of others.
Davy legt witte rozen in de zee als eerbetoon aan zijn overleden ouders. © RV
“En om een ode te brengen aan mijn ouders wil ik mijn droom koppelen aan een goed doel. Ik koos voor Wens Ambulancezorg vzw. Mijn ouders waren allebei terminaal ziek. Ik heb zelf ervaren hoe belangrijk het is om nog op een waardige manier afscheid te kunnen nemen. Dit goede doel zorgt ervoor dat ongeneeslijk zieke personen hun laatste wens toch nog kunnen vervullen. Al is het een foto met een bekende Vlaming, of nog een laatste keer een zonsondergang zien.”
In september 2024 startte hij met de intensieve trainingen voor deze krachtprestatie, waarin in het verleden nog maar twee andere zwemmers slaagden. Het gaat om West-Vlamingen Marieke Blomme en Mathieu Bonne. Tijdens zijn voorbereidingen kreeg hij ook de begeleiding van triatleet Luc Van Lierde, die hem testen en trainingsschema’s voorlegde.
Davy Billiau (33) uit Brugge. © (c) 2025 Jorn Urbain Marine
Maandagmorgen vertrok hij om 6.30 uur in De Panne. Tijdens zijn zwemtocht van 67 kilometer hield Davy halt in Zeebrugge voor een bijzonder moment. Vanuit een boot van DOVO, die hem begeleidde, kreeg hij twee witte rozen die hij enkele seconden vasthield, kuste en in het water van de Noordzee achterliet. Dit was een symbolisch eerbetoon aan zijn ouders die hij in enkele jaren tijd verloor. Na 18 uur en 48 minuten zwemmen kwam hij dinsdagnacht aan in Knokke.
