What made you decide to take on the Lorne Pier to Pub this year, and what does this swim mean to you personally?
Every year I try to do something that pushes me outside my comfort zone, and it usually ends up being tied to my fitness or health in some way. I had never done an open-water swim or race before, so when I saw the Pier to Pub advertised in Lorne, something just clicked. I knew straight away it was the challenge for me.
What has your training looked like in the lead-up? You trained during the Christmas New Years period, was it hard to stay on track during this time?
I was swimming one to two times per week at my local pool and also used it as a great excuse to check out a few different pools around Melbourne. I did keep training over the Christmas and New Year period, and I even squeezed in my final swim of 2025 on New Year’s Eve at MSAC, which felt really special. Staying on track wasn’t always easy, but having a clear goal made it much easier to stay motivated.
Was there a moment in training where you thought, “Okay, I can actually do this”? What changed after that?
There wasn’t one exact moment where it suddenly clicked. I’m someone who, even when I feel like I might have bitten off more than I can chew, still knows deep down that I’m capable of anything I put my mind to. That belief carried me through the entire training process.
Standing on the start line, what was going through your head before you hit the water?
I was incredibly nervous — I was shaking and felt all sorts of emotions. It was such a strange feeling because I’d never done anything like this before. I knew why I was there and what I needed to do, but I hadn’t experienced it yet. In that moment, I just knew the only way forward was to get into the water and start swimming.
What was the hardest part of the swim on the day, and how did you work through it?
The hardest part was definitely the first 100–400 metres. Honestly, it felt like I wasn’t moving at all. I stopped briefly, cleared my goggles, took a breath, and then kicked harder than ever. Eventually, I found my rhythm and started making progress — which was such a relief (and a win!).
How did your BounceDown Swimsuit help you during your training and the event?
As a big-bust girl, the BounceDown swimsuit was honestly a game changer. It kept me feeling secure, supported, and confident while still allowing full movement during training. Wearing it underneath my wetsuit on race day was super comfortable, and I never once felt restricted — it truly made a huge difference.
Did you feel more confident knowing that you had the BounceDown Sisterhood community supporting you?
Absolutely. All the Instagram DMs, newsletter mentions, and emails before, during, and after the event meant so much to me. That level of encouragement and support from the BounceDown Sisterhood really boosted my confidence and made me feel incredibly backed the whole way through.
Did anyone reach out to offer encouragement that stood out to you for this event?
Yes! One of my best mate’s partners, Simone, was amazing. She’s recently gotten into triathlons herself and was constantly sending messages of encouragement. It really stood out and meant a lot.
Now that you’ve done it, what would you say to someone thinking about entering their first open-water event?
Just go for it. Even if you’re not competitive (like me) and simply want to challenge yourself and step outside your comfort zone, it’s so worth it. Even if you only do it once in your life. The endorphins from completing your first fitness event are truly unmatched.
What’s your next swimming goal or goal in general that you hope to achieve in 2026?
My next swimming goal is a smaller one, but just as exciting — I’ll be competing in my first “fun tri” at the end of March. It includes a 300m swim, a 13km bike ride, and a 3km run, and I can’t wait to give it a go.
