Durban — In celebration of World Mental Health Day, under-ice swimmer, Guinness World Record holder and mental health advocate Amber Fillary has announced her latest record attempt that she is hoping to achieve in 2023.
While most of us wait for the warmer summer temperatures before we venture into our costumes and go for a swim, Fillary is heading for colder climates as she sets her sights on a new world record.
Fillary holds the world record for the longest swim under ice on a single breath – 90m – which she completed in March 2022, in a time of 2 minutes 35 seconds.
As if swimming under 30cm of ice was not enough, she completed the swim wearing only a bikini and goggles. For her next record attempt, Fillary hopes to swim a minimum of 100m.
“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,” Fillary said.
“After my coach mentioned tackling the 100m to me when I completed the 90m swim in 2020 in Norway, it has been something I have been working towards and hope to attain in March 2023.”
As part of her training for this attempt, Fillary will be returning to the UK in November to swim in the Tooting Bec Lido, a 91.44m outdoor pool. The pool is one of Britain’s oldest open-air pools, and the very pool where Fillary 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,” explained 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 a full length of the pool in a single breath, another record Fillary hopes to achieve as she uses the swim as part of her 100m 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,” said 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 practise.”
As someone who has been outspoken about her mental health and addiction issues, Fillary will also be using the opportunity to present a motivational talk to the public about her ice journey as well as her mental health struggles, hoping to inspire others.
Daily News