This month’s Swimmer’s Spotlight is on Katie! Katie is our longest-standing member, having been part of our swim group since the very beginning in 2016.

Let’s get to know her a little better, and find out what’s kept her coming back.

Full name: Kate Thompson

DOB: 18 December 1981

Birthplace: Cape Town

Profession: Sales Manager at Pedersen + Lennard

Started open water swimming: 2016

Swim attire preference: Wetsuit

My most memorable swim:

The 4km swim from Cosy Bay to Camps Bay, as it was possibly my first time swimming along that coastline. Entering the water at Cosy Bay, one of my favourite beaches, and then swimming along the coast to Camps Bay just felt amazing. It was a tough swim because it was so cold. I think if someone had told me it was 9° at the start, I wouldn’t have gotten in, so it helped not knowing just how cold it was. It was also scary at times due to the presence of seals swimming alongside me. I elevated out of the water and onto the lifeguard’s board a few times, but when he assured me it was just a seal, I started to relax. It was a special swim as the water was so clear, the visibility was incredible, and it was also the longest distance I had swum, as I was building up to doing my first Robben Island Swim.

What I love most about the swim group:

I love the people. I love how everyone’s so different, but everyone just gets along.

I love the consistency of it for me. That’s what’s made me able to keep it up for so long. I love how we’re able to go to such beautiful places. 

I love how safe I feel in the ocean, I never, ever feel unsafe even if I’m at the back.

It takes me out of my comfort zone. But yet, I still feel safe.

Swim Motto:

During one of my longer swims I lost all feeling in my fingers and my toes. And I had the mantra going on in my head: “Who needs fingers anyway?”

It’s such a privilege to have you in the team, Katie. You inspire so many with your kindness, consistency and witty comments. Here’s to many more beautiful swim adventures along our beautiful Cape coastline!