Almost two years ago, I decided to take the plunge into open water swimming. A real jump into the deep end for me! At the time, I couldn’t imagine how challenging open water swimming would be.
THE PRESS WROTE: “NATHALIE POHL FROM MARBURG AN DER LAHN SWAM THE WIDTH OF LAKE BODENSEE FASTER THAN ANY OTHER SWIMMER BEFORE HER. THE EXTREME SWIMMER NEEDED 2 HOURS, 50 MINUTES AND 24 SECONDS FOR THE APPROXIMATELY 12 KM LONG DISTANCE.“
The temperature is torture every time. But I learned early on that my discipline and ambition set me apart from the crowd. Willpower definitely beats talent in this sport. So in June 2014, I faced my first big open-water challenge: The crossing of Lake Constance.
Despite high waves, I quickly got into my rhythm and was able to swim a good time, driven by my coach on the support boat. My experience from competitive swimming in the pool and the very good preparation were certainly the key to success here.
A record in the first Challenge was of course surprising, but confirmed me in having made the right decision two years ago. I am very much looking forward to the next adventures in the open water!
