Introducing our new expert contributor Alice Dearing

We’re delighted to welcome Alice Dearing, British marathon swimmer and Olympian, as our new challenge and endurance swim guide

We’re delighted to welcome Alice Dearing, British marathon swimmer and Olympian, as a new regular contributor to Outdoor Swimmer. As one of the leading voices in open water swimming and a passionate advocate for diversity and wellbeing in sport, Alice brings a wealth of experience, insight and enthusiasm to our Challenge and Endurance training pages. Each month, she’ll be sharing practical advice, mindset tips and training inspiration drawn from years of competing at the highest level. We caught up with Alice to learn more about her journey, her approach to the sport, and what motivates her both in and out of the water.

Alice, can you tell us a little about your journey into open water swimming?

My discovery of open water was of fortune. At age 15, I was given an opportunity to qualify for GB Juniors in open water. As I had already made the team for 400, 800 and 1500 freestyle in the pool, I was excited by the chance to add more events to the tally and have a free trip to Portugal for the qualification. The race was hard and cold, but I completed the full 10k and qualified for European Juniors, then I went on to win in the 5k in 2013. From here, I knew it would a sport I was going to embrace and that would give me the most amazing opportunities. And whilst I was continually pushed out of my comfort zone, I kept returning to push myself further and see where I could go, which eventually led me to the Olympic Games in 2021.

You’ve raced in some of the world’s toughest conditions – what’s been your most memorable?

I’ll save some stories for future issues, but the most memorable is the Olympics Games in Tokyo. The atmosphere, build up, tension and excitement of the race will stay with me for life. As well as the fact the water was 30ºC and the race was incredibly difficult!

How does your training for open water differ from pool based swimming? Are there specific sessions or habits you’ve found essential to your success?

The elite level distance pool swimmers and open water swimmers train together. In fact, currently, some of the best open water swimmers in the world are the fastest pool swimmers. There is a lot that can be gained from pool sessions when used correctly:

• Tracking progress of time and speed
• Technique
• Establishing consistency

However, to really understand open water swimming you do need exposure to it, especially if you are targeting a race or event. The key to success at any level is consistent and healthy training, mixed in with open water experience and exposure.

Open water swimming demands mental as well as physical strength. How do you prepare yourself psychologically for difficult races or unpredictable conditions?

“Everyone else is swimming in this, you can too”. I will add that I only ever raced or trained in places that were lifeguarded with suitable safety procedures so please mould this advice as you see fit and safe. But my point to myself was: “If they can do it, why not you?”. Open water demands a toughness from its athletes, which we are proud to boast. Relish it, take confidence from it and from those around you.

When you’re not training for competition, what kind of swims do you enjoy purely for yourself?

I like a hatless swim in the sea on holiday. No set distance or timing, just purely for the love of being in water. My favourite swim this year was with my friends Felix and Catie, who are also Olympians for Austria and USA respectively. I visited them in Birmingham, Alabama, and it was the first time I had that swim training ‘kick’ since I retired in 2024 – I loved it.

Do you have a favourite open water location – either in the UK or abroad – that holds special meaning for you?

In the UK I love Shepperton lake. It was the first place I went to swim for the joy of swimming, opening another level of love for open water. Outside the UK my competitive spirit loves Setubal, Portugal, where I qualified for the Olympics in 2021. My restorative spirit loves floating in the waters of the Mediterranean Sea, excited by a glass of white wine with lunch.

What kinds of topics or insights are you most excited to share with our readers?

I am so excited by the opportunity to share my swimming knowledge and I’m hoping it can be of use to our beautiful community. I am excited to write about the importance of understanding yourself as an individual and your own swimming journey. As well as this, there will be all sorts of tips that I have learned along the way which I’m excited to pass on.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to swimmers who are starting?

Don’t compare your journey to others. This is much easier said than done but everyone is unique and whilst we should be using the achievements of others to inspire us, we also need to know that every journey has its own challenges. Find what works for you, take advice from others, listen and share. Don’t be afraid to try something; don’t be afraid to say that something doesn’t work for you. The beauty of open water swimming means that we have so many opportunities to be creative with swims, challenges and opportunities. Embrace this – curate your journey!

Outside of swimming, what helps you stay balanced, motivated and inspired?

I’m really into video games and will find time almost every day to play something. Typically, single player but sometimes jump into a multiplayer game with friends!

Each issue, Alice will be sharing swimming advice, mindset tips and training inspiration. Order our Jan/Feb issue to read Alice’s first swim training column!