Features,  FEATURES

Interview: April cover model Emily Seymour

Our April cover star is 35-year-old reader Emily Seymour. We caught up with her to find out a bit about her swimming background and how she feels about being our very first reader cover model!

How did you get into outdoor swimming? 

I’ve always loved swimming and I spent childhood holidays swimming in the sea. I moved near an outdoor pool eight years ago and started swimming regularly. I signed up for a few open water events, and it went from there. I’m hoping to swim the length of Lake Windermere next summer.

What does outdoor swimming mean to you? 

Life in London can be hectic. Swimming outdoors all year round allows me to take some time just for me. The elements against my skin makes me feel so alive. You can’t beat the exhilaration you feel when you get into cold water, and the warm glow in your body for the rest of the day.

Favourite swim spot? 

Gruinard Bay on the West Coast of Scotland.

Swim highlights

I swam around the Isles of Scilly a few summers ago – six swims between the islands over a day. I’m doing it again in September. Swimming in lakes and tarns in the Lake District. Swims in the sea and in lochs on the West Coast of Scotland. Quarry swims near Bristol, lakes in Snowdonia. So many…

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Editor Jonathan (left) met with Emily for a swim at the Serpentine

What kind of training do you do? 

In winter I try to swim two to three times a week outdoors at the Serpentine, Parliament Hill Lido, Hampstead Ponds, sometimes Brockwell Lido, and I do one 1.5 hour indoor training session a week. My distances increase as the water gets warmer. 

What would you say to someone considering getting into outdoor swimming? 

It’s amazing, give it a go.

How does it feel to be Outdoor Swimmer’s first reader cover star? 

I feel very honoured!

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Jonathan is a year-round skins swimmer with a particular love of very cold water. He has competed in ice swimming competitions around the world. He is a qualified open water coach with a particular love of introducing new swimmers to the open water.