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As the son of conservative Chinese parents Tony Wu never felt like he fitted in growing up in the US. He loved everything about the ocean but his parents discouraged any connection to it and Tony pursued a successful career in finance. But in every spare moment Tony immersed himself in the ocean, especially diving and underwater photography. He told Outlook's Emily Naylor about a close encounter with a sperm whale.

Colin Foord and Jared McKay are childhood best friends with a passion for aquatic life. As a kid Colin developed a strong love of sea life and would construct his own aquariums. Later, when Jay was suffering from depression, Colin would send him the equipment needed to build his own reef aquarium in his living room. Eventually they installed the Coral City Camera, a webcam streaming live from an urban coral reef in Miami which since lockdown has attracted thousands of dedicated daily viewers.

Melanie Barratt was born with congenital toxoplasmosis which left her severely visually-impaired. As a teenager she excelled academically but found it hard to keep friends. She found solace in the swimming pool where again she shone, earning a chance to represent Team GB at the 1996 and 2000 Paralympic Games. Despite winning gold medals at both, her confidence in the pool did not extend to her social life, where she struggled with self-loathing. One constant source of support, however, was Melanie’s mother who continued to inspire her even after her death. It would take decades and a gruelling swim across the English Channel – earning a place in history – for Melanie finally to find peace.

Presenter: Asya Fouks

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(Photo: Cassette tape. Credit: Getty Images)