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Q&A with Elisha Smith
In 2018, Elisha Smith won the 2.1 km Women’s BBWC swim with a great time of 00:22:51. We spoke with her in the lead up to the 2019 Bondi Blue Water Challenge.
Why is BBWC such a unique event?It’s good for a traditional club like Bondi to host a swim ever year. It has a big history and that’s pretty special to compete in.
How do you feel coming into BBWC 2019 as the defending champion?I am hoping to do well once again, I would love to place inside the top 10.
How long have you been training for this event?
I swim most of the year with a small break in winter. When I am training, I am doing 2-3 sessions per week.
Elisha’s top three training tips?
Train consistently
Challenge yourself
Enjoy it!
What is your advice for calming nerves on the day?
Just stay relaxed, don’t overthink it and just enjoy it.
Q&A with John McClelland
Last year John McClelland took out the 2.1 km Men’s BBWC swim in some tough conditions with a time of 00:22:52. We caught up with him heading into this year’s event.
Why is BBWC such a unique event?I enjoy swimming in the BBWC as it is hosted by the famous Bondi Surf Club, and the course takes you for a journey around Bondi Beach, hopefully there is a wave to catch on the return leg to the beach this year!
How do you feel coming into BBWC 2019 as Men’s 2.1 km swim defending champion?
I don’t think I am at the same fitness level that I was last year (it’s been a long relaxing summer), so I think this year someone else will take the win.
How long have you been training for this event?
After having most of December and all of January off, I have recently returned to training, hopefully some fitness will return by race day.
How long have you been involved with Bondi Surf Club?
I have been swimming the BBWC for the past 4 or 5 years.
John’s top three training tips:
Don’t have the whole summer off
Train with a squad – they push you harder
Swim in both the pool and the ocean
What is your advice for calming nerves on the day?
To calm your nerves, just enjoy the event – have a look around when you are swimming, If you have done some training you will be confident. The more ocean swims you do the more comfortable race day will be.