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Fiona Shaw, trading running tracks for the open water

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First acting as a volunteer in athletics, Fiona Shaw made a switch to open water swimming in a coaching role.

“I have volunteered as a run leader under England Athletics for Stockton Striders for many years, and whilst I loved it, I knew it was time to change. I had been looking for the open water coaching course but as everything it was delayed by a year,” said Shaw.

“I have always enjoyed taking beginners and seeing them reach their goals. It’s great to be a fully qualified coach to continue this journey.”

Shaw was an avid swimmer as a child, before swapping the water for other priorities as she grew older, saying: “I’ve always loved swimming and swam as a child with the school and then forgot about it for years.

“I was injured which stopped me running and it took me back to the pool and I found my love again. My husband’s cousin’s wife swam open water and she introduced me to it. Within days of our first swim I had my own wetsuit and I’ve never looked back, I just love it.”

Outlining her love for open water swimming in particular, Shaw said: “There are no lines or chlorine. You have such amazing experiences you would never get in a pool like being followed by swans, like geese changing direction when they see you are where they are going to land, or having to change exit point as the swans are using our usual exit with their signets.

“On top of this is the great mental boost, whether this is from swimming in the cold or the experience with your mates. Although I would say just do it, I would add caution and advise any newcomers to go with someone more experienced and never swim alone.”

Reflecting on her experience as a volunteer, Shaw said: “All sports need volunteers, without them the events can’t run. You do get so much of a different experience volunteering.”

Volunteers’ Week took place this year from 1-7 June, and UK Coaching Week the week after. Both supported and celebrated the work of volunteers and coaches across the country. To find out more about coaching and volunteering in triathlon click below.

Triathlon England, supported by Swim England and Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS UK) have recently combined their expertise and safety guidance to give swimmers peace of mind and encourage newcomers to the community with confidence.

Beyond Swim is an initiative that brings venues and swimmers together, providing accreditation to ensure the highest safety standards while fostering a lively open water swimming community.

 

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BEYOND SWIM

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