Vote Ella for ‘Outdoor Personality of the Year’!

We’re so proud of editor Ella Foote for being nominated ‘Outdoor Personality of the Year’ for The Great Outdoors Reader Awards 2025. Want to see her win? Get voting!

“I’m nominated alongside someone who has climbed Everest 18 times, so… I’m a bit baffled?!”

That was editor Ella’s bewildered response when she shared the news with the Outdoor Swimmer team that she’d been nominated ‘Outdoor Personality of the Year’ for The Great Outdoors Reader Awards 2025.

She may be puzzled by the nomination but the rest of the team certainly isn’t! We’re not at all surprised that this sterling swim coach, author and body positivity activist has been recognised for her achievements inspiring the outdoors community, and all we can say is, “Well done, Ella. You deserve this!”

The Great Outdoors Reader Awards launched 13 years ago, “establishing a reputation as the UK’s biggest democratic celebration of the people, places and businesses that make our outdoor lives better”. The awards are open across 15 categories including pub of the year, campaigner of the year, brand of the year and outdoor personality of the year, for which Ella has been shortlisted.

Here’s what else Ella had to say about the nomination:

“I am totally flattered and a little baffled at the nomination, especially as I’m in a line-up of impressive outdoor enthusiasts and explorers.

I set out to share the joy and wonder in our beautiful world, even though my little part of it is small, I like to think that I help demonstrate the ease and reward of regular small adventures for everyone.

Getting into the hills, mountains, rivers, lakes and seas isn’t always easy for me, I am always learning and I am so grateful for all those who walk, swim and dip into adventures with me. I am so thankful to all those who have put steps into motion to enable me and to all those who often lead and share their knowledge with me.”

Would you like to see Ella win Outdoor Personality of the Year? Voting closes 15 December, so cast your vote now!