2025 flash quotes

On her two-mile swim:

“It was a real experience, it was exciting. I was a bit worried the water would be too cold because I just swim in a costume but actually it was lovely when I got in. There was a really great atmosphere, everybody was swimming really well and it was great fun.  

“It was a lot busier that I am used to, I am used to swimming on my own and doing challenges, so to be surrounded by people was quite different.”

On the differences between tackling the English Channel and the Serpentine:

“They are very different challenges; the Channel is just a huge thing to do and something I have dreamt of doing for many years. 

“But here it was challenging as well because I was surrounded by lots of people all over the place, lots of people swimming at different paces, trying to avoid crashing into people and trying to make sure I swam the course and didn't get lost, whereas in the Channel it is all about my own personal mental strength.”

On why the accessibility initiatives at Swim Serpentine are so important:

“Accessibility is hugely important; I have had some events where I’ve just been told they can’t cater for me. Being registered blind, it is really difficult for them but it shouldn't be because everything should be as easy for me to do as anybody else.  

“So, to come along to an event like this where I felt so welcomed – felt like I could get in and swim, enjoy it and have access to everything the same as everybody else – is so important for everybody.  

“Swim Serpentine has just done a fantastic job of making me feel really welcome.” 

On swimming in the Serpentine in the middle of London:

“It was kind of everything I wanted it to be; I don’t know what time I did but I don’t care, I just had a really good time. There was a moment in there when I looked up and went, ‘I am swimming in Hyde Park, this is nice!’ I have walked through here so many times and never thought I would be swimming in there.” 

On the Swim Day atmosphere:

“The vibe was good, like any of these events everything is so well thought of – from the vibes at the beginning and the warm-up to the person talking us in. I just think everyone felt so at ease. If you were going in for the ‘elite’ or just going for a swim, everyone felt like they were part of it. 

“I would love to [swim again next year]. I think the mile is really good for me, both mentally and physically. There was a moment there, to be honest with you, where I thought am I going to carry on? But I just pushed through; there were so many things I wanted to do it for and I just really focused on that.” 

On the swim:

“It was really cool. I was at the back of the pink wave, which meant I had a few steadier swimmers in front of me so the first few hundred metres was basically trying not to bump into anyone. After that I settled into a good rhythm. It was a really nice course, the water was cold to start with but once you warmed up it was actually alright.”

On the accessibility of the event: 

“I think it is really good how accessible the event is, and for me, it is really important that everyone can feel like they can turn up and have a go, because getting people active and out there pushing themselves is really important.”

On his hopes of qualifying for the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles:

“Today was a bit more about open water experience and spending a bit more time in the open water as I do a lot of my training in the pool.  

“It was just nice to do an event where there is such a good atmosphere. As much as it is training and it serves a purpose, it is doing something where everyone has a smile on their face and is happy and excited to go out there.  

“People have been training really, really hard to make it to the Start Line so it is a really cool thing to be a part of.”

On the excitement of Swim Day and setting the new world record:

“I am feeling so proud of myself, it was a good swim. The hard work is swimming the big distance, but it was exciting. Swimming has helped me a lot, it has been good for me, and it was exciting to get in the water and swim around [the Serpentine].”