June 30, 2014
Nola’s Swimspiration
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I’m a life long water baby. My mom said I could swim before I could walk :)
I swam with the Langley Flippers in the mid 1980s. Didn’t swim for a number of years, but when I moved to the Okanagan in 2000 I was inspired by the lake and got my PADI (open water scuba training), and set the goal of doing the Across the Lake Swim and Rattlesnake Island swims. I completed both events two years in a row after my 30th Birthday.
I have 2 grown sons and have lived in West Kelowna for 14 years.
How long have you been swimming?
All my life.
Why did you choose the Interior Savings Across the Lake Swim?
A dream come true. I love setting goals and achieving them!
Why do you want to swim across Okanagan Lake?
I had a tragic event that occurred 3 years ago. I almost lost my life and my left arm–I had a complete shoulder replacement June 18th, 2012. They said I’d be “disabled” the rest of my life and have limited mobility and not be able to return to my old job, but I did! I tried to swim again 6 months post op…I could barely get my arm out of the water doing the front crawl. I tried again, a year later and I COULD. I cried tears of joy. If Bethany Hamilton can surf with one arm, I can swim across the lake ONE MORE time. I’m proof that miracles can happen and thankful for all my friends and family that supported me through the years.
Will swimming 2.1km across a lake be an easy or difficult challenge for you?
It will be challenging. I am fit and have the endurance, but I’m still slightly limited in my range of motion. I may have to take breaks, but I will not stop. I do not fear the water. This isn’t a race for me…just want to fulfill a dream.
Can you give us a quick overview of your training?
I train in the pool 2 days a week. I will also go to Peachland and swim along the shoreline in June. I always do a minimum of 80 laps without stopping much. I had years of physiotherapy and lots of other cross training—hiking and cycling. I love to be outside and walk by the lake almost daily.
What do you enjoy most about swimming?
It gives me peace.
What is your one killer swim tip?
Find your “zone” and keep going…don’t stop! Pace YOURSELF.
Thanks Nora for sharing your story with us. You are a swimspiration!