1. What's the most unexpected or memorable encounter you've had with wildlife during an open water swim?

When I was a kid, we would travel to Florida every other year to see my aunt, uncle, and cousins. Of course, a major highlight was spending whole days at the beach, and swimming in the water. On one visit, a group of people started shouting about sharks in the water. My aunt knew that it was too shallow for sharks; we quickly realized it was a pod of manatees, and I jumped in to swim behind them. It certainly heightened my love for the open water, and fascination with what lay beneath... 

2. Can you share a unique ritual or superstition you follow before swimming in the open water?

When the water starts to get chilly, I make sure to drink a hot cup of tea (as the British/Irish would) to warm up before diving in.

3. What's the most breathtaking open water location you've swum in, and what made it so special?

Super challenging to choose between Mallorca and the coast of Portugal! (Obviously our own lake is pretty great :) I loved swimming with Swim Together (Portugal) because it was low-key (compared to a race) and we got to explore arches, canyons, and some incredible underwater fish habitat.

4. How has open water swimming influenced your perspective on overcoming challenges in life outside of the water?

I feel like open water swimming makes me tough in other areas of my life, especially work, and as I anticipate joining a campaign. Campaigns are marathons, not sprints, and that certainly take a lot of grit - which I think open water swimmers are made of :)