Q: Tell us a bit about yourself and how you got into open water swimming.

A: I started out as a pool swimmer and competed in that sport for many years. But since the World Masters Championships in Budapest (2017), I’ve also taken part in open water events, and this year, I’ve focused entirely on that. I just prefer it. I love swimming in the sea, and I really enjoy the tactical side of open water racing.

This is my sixth World Championships, after Montreal (2014), Kazan (2015), Budapest (2017), Gwangju (2019) and Doha (2024). I have enjoyed every edition and over the years I’ve gained experience and confidence. I feel well prepared for these Championships and I have enjoyed the whole process of training.

Q: Many masters swimmers talk about the strong sense of community between the athletes, across all age categories. Has that been your experience as well?

A: Definitely. There’s a real sense of camaraderie at Masters events. People come from all over the world, from different clubs and you find everyone in the same place. I’ve made friends at World Championships who I now regularly compete with in Spain. This time around, we’re staying at the same hotel, training together, going to the pool - it creates a great atmosphere. There’s something really beautiful about Masters swimming.

Q: You’ve been swimming since you were young. Has open water come to mean something different to you over time?

A: Yes, it has. I first swam open water recreationally when I was about 14 or 15 and it was because I loved swimming in the sea and being in the water, but it wasn’t until later that I realised it suited me well competitively. These days I really enjoy racing and competing with my friends. In the pool I feel like you are just against the clock but with open water there are often different racing conditions and I like that.

Q: This is the first time the Masters and elite World Championships have been held at the same time. What has that experience been like?

A: It’s been brilliant. Usually, by the time we arrive, all the elite swimmers have already left, but this year we’ve all been here at the same time. The atmosphere in Singapore and around the venues has been really lively. I’ve seen lots of familiar faces just walking around, and we even have tickets to watch the men’s water polo final. I’ve really enjoyed it so far.

Q: Do you have any routines or rituals that help you prepare for a race?

A; Yes, I usually take some time to look at who I’m racing against – many of them I’ve competed with before. I do a light warm-up at the pool, then head to the course to scout it out and check the conditions. I stretch, and I always make sure I get enough rest the night before. Nothing else really, but that all helps me feel ready.

With her sixth World Aquatics Masters Championships now complete, and a 2025 world title added to her name, her reflections on the sport and the community around it offer insight into what continues to draw so many masters athletes to the competition.

To hear more about the World Aquatics Championships – Singapore 2025, click here!