South Africa’s record holder for under-ice swimming sets her sights on a new distance.
While most of us wait for the warmer summer temperatures before we put our cozzies on and go for a swim, Amber Fillary, South Africa’s under-ice swimming Guinness World Record Holder, is heading for colder climates as she sets her sights on a new world record.
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Amber currently holds the world record for the longest swim under ice on a single breath – 90 meters – which she completed in March 2022, in a time of 2 minutes 35 seconds. For her next record attempt, Amber hopes to swim a minimum of 100 meters.
“The problem with setting records is that you always want to push yourself harder and further to see if you have what it takes to do more,” says Amber. “After my coach mentioned tackling the 100 meters to me when I completed the 90 meter swim in 2020 in Norway, it has been something I have been working towards and hope to attain in March 2023!”
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As part of her training to prepare for this attempt, Amber will be returning to the United Kingdom in November to swim in the Tooting Bec Lido, a 91.44 meter outdoor pool. The pool is one of Britain’s oldest open-air pools and the very pool where Amber first experienced the thrill of ice swimming.
“In my early twenties I was employed as a lifeguard for the South London Swimming Club at Tooting Bec Lido Pool, a pool that was kept open even during the winter months,” explains Fillary. “I would regularly join the club members in breaking the ice and swimming in the freezing water. This is where my cold-water addiction started, as I experienced the amazing high you get from being in the icy water!”
In December 2022, the pool is due to be closed for refurbishment. Since it first opened in 1906, no one has ever swum the full length on a single breath, another record Amber hopes to achieve as she uses the swim as part of her 100-meter training.
“It is such an honour to be able to go back to where it all started and use the swim as part of my training for the new attempt,” says Fillary. “By then the weather will be considerably colder in the UK and I am hoping the water temperature will be below 10 degrees, making it a great opportunity for me to practice!”
As someone who has been outspoken about her mental health and addiction issues, Fillary will also be using the opportunity to do a motivational talk to the public about her ice journey as well as her mental health struggles, hoping to inspire others.
Also read: Today is World Mental Health Day. How are you – really?
Details:
- For information about Amber and her records: www.amberfillary.com
- To sponsor Amber’s amazing email: [email protected]
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Picture: Supplied